It is in the nature of all visitors to want a souvenir from the countries they visit, something special and unique to that part of the world. It is usually local handicraft which fits the bill and Panama does not disappoint in this department.

The most famous Panamanian handicraft is the mola created by the Kuna Indians of San Blas. It is a colorful reverse appliqué panel which forms part of the blouse of their traditional costume but which can be adapted as cushions, wall-hangings, table mats, sandals, t-shirts, caps .....the list is endless.

Wood carvings are another popular item on the visitor's shopping list. The Wounaan-Embera Indians from the Darien are experts. They transform hard wood, usually "cocobolo" from the jungle into works of art. Birds, frogs, snakes, wild cats and jungle foliage all serve as subjects for their skilled hands.

Exquisite baskets also come from the Darien region. Dyed with natural earth tones, their intricate patterns are time-consuming work. Some of the best take months to complete and command high prices. Some are so fine they are even bought for display in museums and art galleries in other parts of the world.

The tagua is yet another speciality of the Wounaan-Embera tribes. Tagua is the Indian name for the ivory nut "an oval-shaped nut about the size of a hen's egg. The best are carved from just one nut and it is amazing the detail an expert carver can coax from that small surface...... spiders on webs, frogs on leaves, pelicans with fish, leaping dolphins.

The Guaymie Indians, mountain people mainly in the provinces of Chiriqui and Veraguas, produce beautiful patterned bead necklaces which in their culture are worn by the men on ceremonial occasions but which make attractive gifts for ladies. Guaymie women wear colorful long dresses, appliquéd with multi-colored triangles at neck, sleeves and hem. Adapted to a more modern style, they make comfortable leisure wear.

Pre-Colombian and colonial gold jewelry is reproduced by a company called Reprosa, using the same lost-wax method employed by ancient artisans. Naturally it has been adapted to suit more modern tastes but the end result is outstanding.

Reprosa is a jewelry store with two branches in Panama City, one on Avenida Samuel Lewis and the other in Casco Viejo

There is a crafts market in Balboa which is a treasure-trove of souvenir items and another at the ruins of Old Panama. The Sunday market in El Valle is also a good place to shop for souvenirs.