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 see four feathered or feather-tailed creatures with slightly different head shapes (perhaps indicating male and female pairs?), who are connected somehow in the middle. I have tried researching but was unable to determine what they are supposed to represent. I do know that the colorful vertical slats that make up the negative space, are meant to represent the sun beams that shine through the bamboo huts of the Guna people. This panel has three layers; dark red top, green middle and yellow bottom. The overall condition is fair, with some of the marks of the maker still visible in some areas, as well as a rust colored stain in the upper left quadrant. Please see photographs for full details, sorry no maker's marks or signatures.

Measurements:

- 19 inches length
- 16 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.