THE PROBLEMS OF PRESERVING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE GUNA INDIANS

Indigenous cultures around the world face unprecedented challenges and are often in danger of extinction. The preservation of the cultural heritage of these peoples is an important task not only for themselves, but also for all mankind. These cultures possess valuable knowledge and traditions that have developed over the millennia and open unique prospects for the development of the world. The loss of indigenous knowledge and practices is an irreparable loss for all of us, as we are losing part of the cultural heritage of all mankind. The indigenous peoples of Panama have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in their traditions and beliefs. The Guna people living in Panama and Colombia represent one of the most sovereign indigenous communities in the world, with extensive land holdings and self-government rights. They are known for their colorful traditional clothes, intricate manners, beliefs, and strong sense of community. The relevance of the topic is since in a world that is becoming increasingly homogenized, the preservation of indigenous cultures ensures that this cultural diversity will not be lost due to the impact of globalization. This article is devoted to the problems of preserving the material and spiritual heritage of the Guna people living in Panama and Colombia. The lifestyle of the Guna Indians, their traditions, worldview and definition of the role of man in the world are unique and of great interest for research. The authors of the article analyze the distinctive features of the Guna cultural heritage and highlight current phenomena and processes that pose a threat to the preservation of the traditional way of life of this people. Understanding the history and traditions of the indigenous Guna people is essential to preserve their culture.

Guna Indians, Panama, Colombia, autonomy, history, traditions, culture, beliefs, tourism, migration crisis