Molas from Panama

These bright and beautiful textiles are from Panama and were originally part of the traditional costume of the indigenous Kuna women. They are made using the process of reverse appliqué, which involves the stitching together of several layers of material. Parts of the upper layers are cut away, and the edges are stitched down, with the largest cuts made in the uppermost layer.  Many hours of careful sewing are required to create a fine mola. The ability to make an outstanding mola is a source of status among Kuna women.

Mola designs are often inspired by modern graphics such as political posters, labels, pictures from books and TV cartoons, as well as traditional themes from Kuna legends and culture.

Our Mola panels can be framed as art or made into pillows, place mats, wall hangings, or stitched together as quilts. At $12.50 a piece, the creative possibilities are endless!