Tribal Wives

Episode Overview

In the first programme, Sass, a 34-year-old from Oxford, spends time with the Kuna tribe in Panama. The Kuna Indians live on a stunning scattering of coral islands off the coast of Panama. A monogamous tribe with tight-knit families, they're a deeply spiritual people who believe that their homes and families are protected by ever-present spirits. At home, Sass packs every moment of her day, leaving no time for herself. When she's not working, she's rowing, horse-riding and doing out-reach work. But there's a reason for her jam-packed lifestyle: 21 years ago, Sass had to choose between her parents. When she decided to live with her father, she never saw her mother again and it's never ceased to haunt her. When she arrives on the island, she does what she always does – throws herself into everyday life, constantly on the go as she helps her host family with all the chores. However, her attempts at the embroidery for which the Kuna are renowned aren't quite so successful. The Kuna are worried by Sass's recurring nightmares and introduce their unique cures to help her vanquish them. And, as the days pass, Sass forms a powerful bond with the woman she's living with. In the process, she makes an extraordinary discovery – it's as if she's found the mother she feels she's never had.