MARCH 4, 1925

KUNA (SAN BLAS) REVOLUTION SETTLED – TRIBAL AUTONOMY RESTORED

After Panama achieved independence from Columbia in 1903, some Kuna on the San Blas Islands (the Guna Yala region) remained loyal to Columbia which generally had left them alone. Some resisted Panama’s efforts at administrative control. Starting in 1919, Panama attempted a forced assimilation of the Kuna particularly targeting traditional women’s clothing–mola blouses, nose rings and leg & arm bindings. On Carnival Day, February 23, 1925, the Kuna revolted. Over 3 days, nearly 30 people, including some children, were killed. Panama sent police while the U.S. sent the cruiser USS Cleveland. An independent republic was proclaimed and a declaration of independence, written by American explorer Richard Marsh, was issued. After American mediation, the Kuna & Panama entered a peace agreement whereby the Kuna pledged allegiance to Panama and Panama agreed to respect Kuna traditions and culture. Later agreements created an official reservation & a Guna General Congress.

Sources:

“Native Rebellion and US Intervention in Central America,” Cultural Survival, 2/19/2010.  Retrieved 10/27/2022, Native Rebellion and US Intervention in Central America | Cultural Survival

Wikipedia

Photo:  Erland Nordenskiöld  (1877–1932), 1927.  Kuna on San Blas Islands. Public Domain.