Name: Plum Tail Turquoise Chest The Toucan Holds Court Panama Mola
Brand: TraderBrock
SKU: PM3254T
Price: 59.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Turquoise toucan with a plum tail mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 12 inches

Panama mola panel, magenta headed bird with a long yellow sweeping beak, hand stitched reverse applique

Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, pink flower and lime leaves along the lower edge

$ 59.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Handmade in Panama

Fair Trade

Width: 15 in"

Height:12 in "

Plum Tail Turquoise Chest The Toucan Holds Court Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. The toucan takes up the whole middle of the panel, and her eye is ringed in white, a small detail that gives her a sharp, alert look. She carries herself like the host of a party you are lucky to be invited to. It is 15 inches wide and 12 inches high, a practical size for a frame or a cushion cover. Hang it in a living room where people sit and talk.

Molas are built by stacking several layers of colored cotton, then cutting down through one layer at a time so the colors underneath show through, and turning every raw edge under and stitching it closed by hand. The technique is called reverse appliqué, and a good panel is judged by how fine the stitches are and how many layers deep the cutting goes. This one came from Guna Yala, the San Blas islands off Panama's Caribbean coast, where the designs draw on the birds, fish, plants and geometric patterns of the islands and rainforest. It is ready to frame, mount, or sew into a pillow or a quilt panel, and no two are ever alike.

Founded in 1991, TraderBrock celebrates the handcraft of Latin America's indigenous peoples. Every piece comes from Guna, Wounaan and Emberá artisans we know by name, and all profits are reinvested in their communities for education, tools and the teaching of ancestral techniques. Buying from TraderBrock helps keep their culture and their traditions alive.

Width: 15"
Height: 12"
SKU: PM3254T

MACHINE WASHABLE To clean, machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle tumble dry on low, do not bleach or iron

Three Kuna women skillfully sewing a vibrant mola, a traditional textile art, for sale on TraderBrock.com, where you can find unique handcrafted items.

Fair Trade

Made in Panama

by talented artisans, supporting local communities and preserving their rich cultural heritage

Mola Story

Creating a Mola

The process begins with layering vibrant cotton fabrics, which are carefully cut to reveal intricate patterns beneath. Guna artisans then use a combination of appliqué and reverse appliqué techniques, often enhancing each piece with fine hand embroidery. The result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind work of textile art rich in tradition, color, and cultural meaning.

meaning behind the designs

Animals

Molas often showcase animals such as birds, fish, turtles, and more. These designs can range from realistic to abstract and sometimes feature multiple animals in a single piece. Each depiction carries symbolic meaning and reflects the Guna people's deep connection to nature.

Geometric

Many molas incorporate intricate geometric patterns like triangles, diamonds, and zigzags. These designs often use vibrant color combinations and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, symbolizing balance, energy, or cultural motifs.

Floral

Floral molas highlight the beauty of nature through depictions of flowers, leaves, and vines. Whether stylized or realistic, these patterns often feature vivid colors and represent growth, life, and harmony with the natural world.

Mythical creatures

Some molas portray mythical beings such as dragons, mermaids, or hybrid animals. These imaginative designs often blend storytelling with spiritual symbolism, reflecting legends passed down through generations.

Cultural symbols

Molas sometimes feature sacred or traditional symbols that hold cultural or spiritual meaning. These motifs may represent identity, protection, or ancestral knowledge, offering a glimpse into the values of Guna heritage.

Landscapes

Scenic molas depict landscapes such as islands, rivers, or village life. These compositions capture the daily environment of the Guna people and celebrate their deep bond with the land and sea.

Cultural Meaning

Molas are more than wearable art, they are powerful expressions of Guna identity, heritage, and worldview. Through intricate designs, they tell stories of myths, traditions, and everyday life. As an essential part of Guna women's clothing, molas reflect cultural pride, creativity, and a deep connection to community and history.

Plum Tail Turquoise Chest The Toucan Holds Court Panama Mola

Creating a Mola