One of the underappreciated locations for significant cultural history, the Isthmus of Panama was a major conduit for the movement of peoples and exchange of goods between the Americas.  Local cultures there developed significant art traditions, with influences from both north and south. Unfortunately, the harsh rainforest environments limit the preservation of organic materials, leaving fired ceramics and inert metals as the most prominent remains that are found in prehistoric contexts.  However, the weaving and wood sculpture traditions of contemporary peoples provide evidence of artistic traditions that have survived even as the results of similar technologies employed in the past have been lost.  The material culture exhibited in this exhibit are works from the Museum’s collections.