The roofs are made of thatch.
It is indelible dark blue or black, like a two-week tattoo.
Panamanian census counts estimate that there may be around 9,000 Wounaan and 22,000 Embera in that country.
That inadvertent scientific error has caused substantial confusion about the two distinct groups for nearly 150 years.
Houses today are still built on stilts but not as high the threat of invaders and jaguars is less of a concern , just a few feet of the ground to avoid the flooding of the rainy season and to prohibit the invasion of the insects that nest and congregate in the grasses.
It also offered protection from flooding and even from other people.
The loincloth or taparabo as it is known in Panama, is still worn regularly by a few elders and on special occasions by most male villagers.
Loincloth Guayuco in Waounan, Taparabo in Spanish and bead necklaces.