The source of body paint used by native people in Panama and the Amazon, the Genipa americana tree grows in abundance all around Panama. Called “jagua” or “quipara”, the tree is medium sized and loses most of its large leaves during the dry season. From January to April, it is easy to spot the brown, egg-shaped fruit growing at the stem tips.
A useful plant for both humans and animals, jagua grows in lowland areas from southern Mexico to northern South America and is part of the Rubiaceae family that includes coffee and quinine. The soft, ripe fruit is eaten raw or processed into juice or jam. Tea made from the ripe fruit is used to treat bronchitis. The fruit contains iron, riboflavin, anti-bacterial substances, and Vitamin C, and the seeds contain caffeine. The bark is high in tannin and can be used to treat leather, many locals use it for this purpose.
The Emberá and Wounaan people of Panama use the unripe fruit to make blue-black dye for painting geometric designs on their skin. On New Leaf tours to these communities, our hosts almost always have a batch on hand to paint. The dye lasts two weeks or so before it fades, so it’s like getting a temporary tattoo.
Tips when you get painted:
- Try not to move while getting painted. Usually, the liquid is clear so you can’t see the design until a couple minutes after, so don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away. If you can see it right away, they probably added charcoal.
- After getting painted you may feel a little tingling or itching. Do not scratch or you will smudge the design! If its too much, you can splash some water on it delicately.
The traditional designs celebrate the cycle of life as well as special ceremonies such as births and marriage. The Wounaan and Embera love to share this practice with visitors.