Known as nuchus, these Kuna figurines have been used for generations as spirit healing aides for the injured and infirm. All but one of these (the lighter colored female figurine with clasped hands) have been ritually anointed in ceremonies using varied plant and animal extracts applied and prayed over by a local shaman.
All are authentic and were individually acquired in 1968 from different Kuna families and individuals living on the small island of Aligandi and two others in the San Blas chain and in the town of Porvenir, on the nearby Darien coast of Panama. They are fragile, unique, museum-quality pieces of balsa and other soft woods, ranging in length from 5" to 13", and of considerable ethnographic interest. Keeler and appears to be the oldest piece in the lot. It has also not been anointed and is, hence, unused. Again, this is an exceptional, vintage collection. The item "Authentic, Antique Nuchu Collection from early/mid-1900s" is in sale since Sunday, June 11, 2017. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Latin American\Other Latin Am. The seller is "thundercloud2" and is located in Middle Grove, New York.This item can be shipped worldwide.