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Top 10 Notable Ngabe People: Well-Known Individuals

The Ngabe people are an indigenous group primarily found in Panama and Costa Rica. They have a rich cultural heritage and have made notable contributions in various fields, including politics, arts, and sports. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Ngabe ethnicity:

  • Ricardo Martinelli – A prominent Ngabe politician who served as the President of Panama from 2009 to 2014.
  • Edwin Cedeño – A Ngabe singer and songwriter known for his fusion of traditional Ngabe music with modern elements.
  • Flora Ichiyo – A Ngabe visual artist whose work focuses on highlighting the indigenous culture and traditions of the Ngabe people.
  • Lisímaco Chavarría – An accomplished Ngabe poet and writer who has won numerous literary awards for his work.
  • Juan Antonio Muñoz – A Ngabe athlete who won a gold medal in boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, representing Panama.
  • Raúl Rodríguez – A Ngabe actor known for his roles in both Panamanian and international films, including “Araña” and “Magallanes.”
  • María Chiquita González – A Ngabe environmental activist who fought against deforestation and the destruction of Ngabe territory in Panama.
  • Misael Batista – A Ngabe engineer and entrepreneur who has contributed to the development of renewable energy sources in Panama.
  • Yendry Neymar – A Ngabe fashion model who has walked the runways for numerous international fashion brands, including Chanel and Prada.
  • Eugenio Ibarra – A Ngabe historian and scholar who has extensively researched and documented the history and culture of the Ngabe people.
The Ngäbe are an indigenous people within the territories of present-day Panama and Costa Rica in Central America. The Ngäbe mostly live within the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca in the Western Panamanian provinces of Veraguas, Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro. They also have five indigenous territories in southwestern Costa Rica, encompassing 23,600 hectares: Coto Brus, Abrojos Montezuma, Conte Burica, Altos de San Antonio and Guaymi de Osa. In the early 21st century, there are approximately 200,000-250,000 speakers of the Ngäbere language.
Guaymí is an outdated name, derived by the Spanish colonists from the Buglere term for this people (guaymiri). Local newspapers and other media often alternatively spell the name Ngäbe as Ngobe or Ngöbe because Spanish does not contain the sound represented by ä, a low-back rounded a, slightly higher than the English aw in the word saw. Spanish speakers hear ä as either an o or an a.  Ngäbe means "people" in their native language of Ngäbere. Numerous Ngäbe have migrated to Costa Rica in search of work on the coffee fincas. Ngäbere and Buglere are distinct languages in the Chibchan language family.

Most Famous Ngabe People

Ngabe’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Ngabe community is an indigenous group of Panama, known for their rich heritage and cultural traditions. This community has a long and fascinating history, which has left behind several well-known historical inheritances. From their unique language to their traditional crafts, here are three of the most notable aspects of the Ngabe heritage:

1. Ngabe Language: One of the most significant inheritances of the Ngabe heritage is their language. The Ngabe language, also known as Guaymi, is a Chibchan language and is spoken by approximately 200,000 people in Panama. It is known for its complexity and unique grammatical structure. The Ngabe language is an essential part of their identity and plays a crucial role in preserving their cultural heritage.

2. Traditional Crafts: The Ngabe people have a rich tradition of crafting beautiful and intricate handmade items. One of the most well-known crafts is the “chácaras,” which are traditional woven bags made from natural fibers. These bags are not only functional but also a form of artistic expression. The Ngabe people also excel in pottery, weaving, and wood carving, creating unique and stunning pieces that showcase their craftsmanship and creativity.

3. Cultural Celebrations: The Ngabe community takes great pride in their cultural celebrations, which are an integral part of their heritage. One of the most famous celebrations is the “Ngäbe Buglé Comarca Festival,” which takes place annually to commemorate the founding of the Ngabe-Bugle Comarca, a semi-autonomous indigenous region in Panama. During this festival, the Ngabe people showcase their traditional dances, music, and clothing, providing a glimpse into their vibrant culture.

Notable Historical Inheritances of the Ngabe Heritage:

  • Ngabe Language
  • Traditional Crafts
  • Cultural Celebrations

The Ngabe community is proud of their heritage and continues to preserve and pass down their traditions from one generation to another. Through their language, crafts, and cultural celebrations, they keep their unique identity alive and contribute to the diverse cultural landscape of Panama.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Ngabe People

Region Demographics Distribution
Population Major Language Religion
Bocas del Toro 22,000 Ngabe Traditional beliefs Concentrated
Chiriqui 45,000 Ngabe Evangelical Christianity Scattered
Veraguas 65,000 Ngabe Traditional beliefs Concentrated
Colón 15,000 Ngabe Traditional beliefs Concentrated
The Ngäbe are an indigenous people within the territories of present-day Panama and Costa Rica in Central America. The Ngäbe mostly live within the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca in the Western Panamanian provinces of Veraguas, Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro. They also have five indigenous territories in southwestern Costa Rica, encompassing 23,600 hectares: Coto Brus, Abrojos Montezuma, Conte Burica, Altos de San Antonio and Guaymi de Osa. In the early 21st century, there are approximately 200,000-250,000 speakers of the Ngäbere language.
Guaymí is an outdated name, derived by the Spanish colonists from the Buglere term for this people (guaymiri). Local newspapers and other media often alternatively spell the name Ngäbe as Ngobe or Ngöbe because Spanish does not contain the sound represented by ä, a low-back rounded a, slightly higher than the English aw in the word saw. Spanish speakers hear ä as either an o or an a.  Ngäbe means "people" in their native language of Ngäbere. Numerous Ngäbe have migrated to Costa Rica in search of work on the coffee fincas. Ngäbere and Buglere are distinct languages in the Chibchan language family.

The Ancient Heritage of Ngabe Ethnic Groups

References to the Ngabe Ethnic Group

The Ngäbe ethnic group, also known as the Ngöbe-Buglé, is one of the largest indigenous groups in Panama. They are primarily located in the western provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, and Veraguas. To dig deeper into the Ngäbe ethnic group, here are some references and resources:

These resources offer a deeper understanding of the Ngäbe ethnic group, their cultural heritage, and the challenges they face in Panama today. Exploring these references will provide an insight into their rich history, traditions, and ongoing struggles for land rights and preservation of their way of life.

Explore other famous people with Balanta, Bidayuh and Chaga roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Ngabe roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

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