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Orsuala with Figure of Dog, c.1955, Artist unknown, San Blas Islands, Panama, Painted wood, glass eyes: 42" x 3" x 4". Orsuala with Man, c. 1960, Artist unknown, San Blas Island, Panama, Wood, paint: 32-1/2" x 4-1/4". Orsuala with Angel, c. 1970, Artist unknown, San Blas Islands, Panama, Painted wood: 34" x 2" x 4". Purchased with funds from Friends of Latin American Art |
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STAFFS OF AUTHORITY 
taffs, known as orsualas, are carried by important Kuna men in Panama. They are used in curing and other religious ceremonies, but, more frequently, they are used as symbols of authority for a particular office. Policemen, chiefs, and village officials all carry canes. Those staffs belonging to shaman-healers are usually entwined with a serpent.
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