San Blas Islands, Panama

These low, forested islands are the abode of the Kuna people, the indigenous tribe that is perhaps best known for the elaborate traditional costumes of its women. Their mastery of elaborate, multi-layered appliqued fabric art—originally used as panels of a blouse but now mostly created for sale—has made them famous far beyond the reach of the dugout canoes. Animals, birds and fish that inspired their earlier works have given way in many cases to the logos and icons of a global commercial culture that barely touches them.