A Mural Telling the Story of Afro-Caribbean People in Panama

This community has contributed more than just gastronomy. Artist Martanoemi Noriega reveals the other contributions they have made to the country.

The history of Afro-Caribbean people in Panama is depicted in the new mural at the Afro-Caribbean Museum of Panama. Martanoemi Noriega was commissioned to paint the mural on the wall that protects the cultural center located in Panama City. The images, which reflect the integration and contribution of the Afro-Caribbean community to national development, were also created in collaboration with several artists.

The mural covers the perimeter wall that protects this cultural center. Recently, the wall underwent changes in both its size and height. Five years ago, it was painted with images alluding to the legacy of those who arrived in Panama to build the Railroad and the Panama Canal.

The previous mural had fewer scenes, and the images representing their contributions were more unified because the space was very narrow. In this mural, each scene is divided by a color, Noriega explained to La Estrella de Panamá.

“One panel is dedicated to the great invisible figures of official history: Afro-Caribbean women. Meanwhile, the Afro-Caribbean Museum has a large part of its collection dedicated to women and their work. History records very little of their work,” she elaborated.