Guna, Paya-Pucuro Guna in Panama
Photo Source:
Katie Kyle
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Map Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Guna, Paya-Pucuro Guna |
| Country: | Panama |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,000 |
| World Population: | 3,700 |
| Primary Language: | Kuna, Border |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 70.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Paya-Pucuro Guna people are a subgroup of the larger Guna (also spelled Kuna or Cuna) population of Panama and Colombia. They primarily live in the Darién province of Panama, in the villages of Paya and Púcuro. Their culture goes back centuries.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Paya-Pucuro Guna, like other Guna communities are subsistence farmers who grow corn, cassava, and plantains. Rivers and forests provide them with enough fish and building materials for their homes. In some areas, they work for the tourist industry, which provides them with a significant income. They sell crafts and take tourists on canoe rides. Crafts include molas, which are intricate hand-sewn panels. Molas, beadwork, and basket weaving are not only economic activities but also cultural expressions.Guna festivals include feasting, music, dancing, and storytelling in their Border Kuna language.Paya-Pucuro Guna families are matrilineal. This means that inheritance and clan identity come from the mother’s side of the family. After marriage, the new couple moves to the wife’s family home. Women have essential decision-making and economic power. They live in extended families with strong intergenerational bonds. Village chiefs and councils make decisions for the community.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Almost three-fourths of the Paya-Pucuro Gunas are Christian, usually Roman Catholic. There is an Evangelical minority among them.
What Are Their Needs?
Their needs for running water and electricity are unmet. Some are being displaced.
Prayer Points
Pray for hundreds of Paya-Pucuro Gunas to be raised up with a defiant faith in Christ, one that will not be shaken, no matter what comes their way.Pray for God to bring about his purpose for the Paya-Pucuro Gunas.Pray for Christians to have love, joy, peace, and patience as they tell others about the King of kings.Pray for a powerful Holy Spirit revival to permeate their families and churches, drawing them into greater love for God and for their neighbors.