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 some sort of animal in the foreground (perhaps a bird? Birds are highly valued creatures in Guna culture and are often depicted in molas). Just behind the 'bird' creature is a flower with two leaves, and just below the creature is a palm frond. This panel is created with two main layers of fabric: a green base and dark red top fabric color. This panel features many vertical slats, that fill the negative area, and which represent the sun beams that shine through the walls of the bamboo huts that the Guna live in. This example features moderate sewing skills, but contains a lot of embroidery details. The overall condition is excellent to very good, with one small stain in the pink fabric area of bird's beak. Please see photographs for full details, sorry no maker's marks or signatures.

Measurements:

- 15.5 inches length
- 13 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.