Richard

[Parrottdizes]

Hi Richard;

Do you have a estimate of the prices the Embera are asking for their crafts? Also, is bartering accepted or expected?

I would love to buy some of the crafts but have no idea of the costs. It would be great to be able to estimate how much money (US dollars) to bring with.

Thanks

[Richard in Panama]

Hi Richard;

Do you have a estimate of the prices the Embera are asking for their crafts? Also, is bartering accepted or expected?

I would love to buy some of the crafts but have no idea of the costs. It would be great to be able to estimate how much money (US dollars) to bring with.

Thanks

 

Parrottdizes, Good question! The crafts all require a lot of time and work. They are priced pretty much based on $1 per hour of work involved, and when you see the quality of the work, I think you will see the value. So a small basket probably will run $30-35 . . . and a large museum-quality basket may run thousands of dollars. It all depends on the quality and complexity of the design. The wood carvings are out of cocobolo a very hard and heavy wood similar to rosewood. Again it depends on quality and complexity. I have a carving of three dolphins in mid-air about 10" high which a few years ago was $200. The tagua nut carvings of animals are going to run $25 -45 again depending on quality and complexity.

 

People always ask on this board about bringing gifts for the children. Things like pencils, paper, pens, etc. are wonderful IF they are given in bulk to the chief or school teacher or Peace Corps volunteer if there is one. The Embera people do NOT want their kids to be trained to be beggars, but to show genuine love and hospitality because that is the tradition, not begging. If you want to help there are postcards for sale (a project started by some Peace Corps volunteers a few years ago) which help support a non-profit foundation that helps with school expenses. (Once kids finish primary school their parents must pay to send them to mission schools closer in to the city which involves tuition, housing, etc.) If you really want to help buy craftwork. The proceeds go directly to the person who sells it to you and they, or their extended families, created the craft.

 

I think it is rude for tourists to assume that everywhere in the world they should bargain. [i've actually had folks ask me in my role as onboard lecturer if they should bargain in Monte Carlo!!!] I figure it is better to give you money to the Embera than donate it in the casino onboard. [sorry casino managers!] What is appropriate in Panama and in this situation is to ask, politely, "Is this your best price?" That enables the seller to drop, maybe 5 or 10%, it is gracious for everyone involved, and if you really need the money you will have saved 5 or 10%. What I abhor is folks coming back from this tour and bragging to everyone else at their table how they "beat down" a poor Indian family to save a few bucks that they will then throw away in the casino or use to buy another martini.

 

Sorry . . . you asked and gave me an opportunity to climb on my soapbox.

 

You will enjoy the tour, the Embera, and have a meaningful souvenir of your trip. I'd suggest having someone take a photo of you, the art work and the artist who made it.

 

Regards, Richard

 

PS - Take enough cash since they don't accept credit cards in the jungle!

 

 

[Parrottdizes]

Thanks Richard!

Your reply is quite helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for your guidance.

 

Truthfully as far as gambling is concerned; I can think of many other things I would rather do on a cruise. :D And the price of drinks.......well, lets just say, I would rather spend that money on Embera crafts.

 

Thanks again,

Parrottdizes

[GOLDENBONNY]

Parrottdizes, Good question! The crafts all require a lot of time and work. They are priced pretty much based on $1 per hour of work involved, and when you see the quality of the work, I think you will see the value. So a small basket probably will run $30-35 . . . and a large museum-quality basket may run thousands of dollars. It all depends on the quality and complexity of the design. The wood carvings are out of cocobolo a very hard and heavy wood similar to rosewood. Again it depends on quality and complexity. I have a carving of three dolphins in mid-air about 10" high which a few years ago was $200. The tagua nut carvings of animals are going to run $25 -45 again depending on quality and complexity.

 

People always ask on this board about bringing gifts for the children. Things like pencils, paper, pens, etc. are wonderful IF they are given in bulk to the chief or school teacher or Peace Corps volunteer if there is one. The Embera people do NOT want their kids to be trained to be beggars, but to show genuine love and hospitality because that is the tradition, not begging. If you want to help there are postcards for sale (a project started by some Peace Corps volunteers a few years ago) which help support a non-profit foundation that helps with school expenses. (Once kids finish primary school their parents must pay to send them to mission schools closer in to the city which involves tuition, housing, etc.) If you really want to help buy craftwork. The proceeds go directly to the person who sells it to you and they, or their extended families, created the craft.

 

I think it is rude for tourists to assume that everywhere in the world they should bargain. [i've actually had folks ask me in my role as onboard lecturer if they should bargain in Monte Carlo!!!] I figure it is better to give you money to the Embera than donate it in the casino onboard. [sorry casino managers!] What is appropriate in Panama and in this situation is to ask, politely, "Is this your best price?" That enables the seller to drop, maybe 5 or 10%, it is gracious for everyone involved, and if you really need the money you will have saved 5 or 10%. What I abhor is folks coming back from this tour and bragging to everyone else at their table how they "beat down" a poor Indian family to save a few bucks that they will then throw away in the casino or use to buy another martini.

 

Sorry . . . you asked and gave me an opportunity to climb on my soapbox.

 

You will enjoy the tour, the Embera, and have a meaningful souvenir of your trip. I'd suggest having someone take a photo of you, the art work and the artist who made it.

 

Regards, Richard

 

PS - Take enough cash since they don't accept credit cards in the jungle!

 

 

 

With all the respect for you ,I am not agreed.Why should't I try to get better price? I bought lots of crafts and I did asked for better price and they agreed to sell it in my price. Why sould I pay 100$ for wood carving just because I am tourist? Sorry, its a market ,we bargin for car price ,for furniture and I dont see a reason why we sould not in this case.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Hi Richard;

Do you have a estimate of the prices the Embera are asking for their crafts? Also, is bartering accepted or expected?

I would love to buy some of the crafts but have no idea of the costs. It would be great to be able to estimate how much money (US dollars) to bring with.

Thanks

 

Take $100-$150 with you . I bought nice wood craft for 50$(asking price was $80.00) wooden nife I belive 20$ little birds $15.00

[KenCT]

What I abhor is folks coming back from this tour and bragging to everyone else at their table how they "beat down" a poor Indian family to save a few bucks that they will then throw away in the casino or use to buy another martini.

 

That is such a good point, and as a veteran of several cruises, I abhor that attitude as well. I do understand the OP's dilemma, though. It's hard to know when bargaining is expected, when it is tolerated, and when you're being cheated. When it comes to souvenirs, cab rides, and tipping, I try to err on the side of overpaying, with the rationale that the provider needs the money more than I.