molas

MOLAS

Provenance: The Molas we have collected are examples of the unique art of the Cuna Indians living on the San Blas Islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The term Mola refers to the traditional hand appliquéd blouse worn by Kuna women or to any appliqué work crafted by them. For the Kuna, Molas are an expression of cultural identity, artistic ability as well as a basis for social and economic interchange. They are esteemed by collectors throughout the world.

Technique: Kuna women create their art through the process of reverse appliqué. The first baste two or more layers of fabric together and sketch a design on the top panel. Then they cut around the design on the top panel. Then they cut around the design and sew the edges under to expose the layer below. Molas are often adorned with hand embroidery and with inserts or overlays of cloth swatches to enhance the beauty of their work.

Motifs: The vast array of motifs include flora and fauna native to the islands, depictions of the traditional Kuna rituals and traditional geometric motifs. The Kuna women create fanciful and humorous Molas based on advertising labels, such as RCA, gallo (Rooster) Matches, Ranchero Music Stars and Disney film characters. They also make Molas of political candidates who campaign in the islands during election years.

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