Molas are handmade textiles, utilizing a reverse appliqué technique. These mola panels are part of the traditional costume of the women of the indigenous Guna people of the island archipelago, Guna Yala, of Panama and Colombia -a matriarchal society! The Guna women begin to learn this skill at a very young age, as the mola designs are synonymous with their culture. These moles are made from cotton scraps of fabric and depict a synthesis of their traditional culture, along with influences from the last 100 or so years. The designs were developed from ancient body paintings, which the women used to decorate their upper bodies. Over time, these paintings transitioned to the blouses or tops we see, as part of the traditional dress. These molas may take anywhere from 2 weeks to six months to create, and are considered very collectible today. You may choose to repurpose a mola panel into a wall art hanging (many people frame them), a decorative pillow, tote bag, etc.

In this example, we can clearly see a person (hunter with a club? and a tail?!) in the middle, surrounded by birds; owls above and dodo type birds below (?) I know that the thin slats used to fill in the negative space represent the sun beams shining through the bamboo huts of the Guna people. The quality on the sewing of this piece is above masterful. The stitches are extremely even and tiny, showing great skill, along with the wonderful composition of this piece. This piece is also larger than most, and comes in three layers; deep red top, yellow middle and red bottom. The overall condition is excellent, with no flaws to note. Please see photographs for full details, sorry no maker's marks or signatures. A museum-worthy piece!

Measurements:

- 22 inches length
- 16.5 inches height

Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries

♥,
Miss Master

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in New York, New York.