Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches
Panama mola panel, purple outlined birds with yellow and orange feathers on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, rows of short colored dashes filling the background with applique cut work
Two purple birds facing each other mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 10.5 inches

Two Birds Who Have Not Finished Talking Kuna Mola

PM0416T

$ 29.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 16.0"
  • Height: 10.5"

Two Birds Who Have Not Finished Talking Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. Two birds stand face to face, bodies packed with long feather strokes, and a small pointed shape sits between them like the subject of their argument. Anyone who has sat through a lively family debate will recognize the mood straight away. It is 16 inches wide and 10.5 inches high, a comfortable size for a frame or a cushion cover. Hang it in your kitchen, where most of the real talking happens.

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: 16"
Height: 10.5"
SKU: PM0416T

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

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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

Creating a Mola

starts with layering colorful
cotton fabrics and cutting intricate patterns, revealing the colors underneath.
Guna artisans then use appliqué and reverse appliqué techniques, often adding
detailed embroidery to produce a stunning, unique piece of textile art.

meaning behind the designs

Animals

Molas often feature depictions of animals, such as birds, fish, and
turtles. These designs may be realistic or abstract, and can include multiple animals in a single mola.

Geometric

Many molas feature intricate geometric patterns, such as squares,
triangles, diamonds, and zigzags. These designs often incorporate
multiple colors and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Floral

Molas may also feature floral designs, such as flowers, leaves, and
vines. These designs may be realistic or stylized and may incorporate
multiple colors.

Mythical creatures

Some molas depict mythical creatures, such as dragons or mermaids. These
designs may be highly stylized and may incorporate multiple animals or
symbols.

Cultural symbols

Molas may also incorporate cultural symbols, such as the Kuna flag or
traditional Kuna clothing. These designs may be highly symbolic and
meaningful to the Kuna people.

Landscapes

Some molas depict landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, or the ocean.
These designs may be highly detailed and may incorporate multiple colors
and textures.

Cultural Meaning

represent artistic expression, identity, and heritage, often showcasing
traditional myths, stories, and elements of daily life. As an integral
part of Guna women's clothing, Molas embody their rich history,
traditions, and cultural pride.

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