Kuna People - Political and Social Organization

Political and Social Organization

In Kuna Yala, each community has its own political organization, led by a Saila (pronounced "sai-lah"). The Saila is traditionally both the political and spiritual leader of the community; he memorizes songs which relate the sacred history of the people, and in turn transmits them to the people. Decisions are made in meetings held in the Onmaked Nega, or Ibeorgun Nega (Congress House or Casa de Congreso), a structure which likewise serves both political and spiritual purposes. It is in the Onmaked Nega that the Saila sings the history, legends and laws of the Kuna, as well as administering the day-to-day political and social affairs. The Saila is usually accompanied by one or more voceros who function as interpreters and counselors for the Saila. Because the songs and oral history of the Kuna are in a higher linguistic register with specialized vocabulary, the Saila's recitation will frequently be followed by an explanation and interpretation from one of the voceros in everyday Kuna language.

Traditionally, Kuna families are matrilinear, with the bridegroom moving to become part of the bride's family. The groom takes the last name of the bride as well.

Today there are 49 communities in Kuna Yala. The region as a whole is governed by the Kuna General Congress, which is led by three Saila Dummagan ("Great Sailas").

Read more about this topic:  Kuna People

Famous quotes containing the words political and, political, social and/or organization:

    We hold these truths to be self-evident:
    That ostracism, both political and moral, has
    Its place in the twentieth-century scheme of things....
    John Ashbery (b. 1927)

    My objection to Liberalism is this—that it is the introduction into the practical business of life of the highest kind—namely, politics—of philosophical ideas instead of political principles.
    Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)

    If there is technological advance without social advance, there is, almost automatically, an increase in human misery, in impoverishment.
    Michael Harrington (1928–1989)

    In any great organization it is far, far safer to be wrong with the majority than to be right alone.
    John Kenneth Galbraith (b. 1908)