Two One Eyed Penguins In Purple Coats Panama Mola

Two penguins stand wing to wing on this black panel, each outlined in a soft orchid purple and each given a single white eye that makes them look mildly startled. Their chests are burgundy shapes edged in teal and yellow, their wings are packed with bars of orange and red, and below them sit broad fan shaped tails, one tangerine and one deep red, ribbed with fine stitching. Bright dashes in lime and orange fill the space between them, and a printed floral cloth runs along the top and bottom edges. It is 16 inches wide and 10 inches high. Every line is cut and turned by hand in the reverse applique the Guna are known for.

Molas are traditionally hand stitched panels made by the Guna people of Panama, once known as the Kuna. Several layers of colored cotton are stacked, then cut down through one layer at a time so the colors underneath show through, and the raw edges are turned and stitched closed. The technique is called reverse appliqué. On this panel the artisan worked with a sewing machine rather than closing every edge by hand, which keeps the lines crisp and makes it a sturdy, practical choice for a pillow cover or a sewing project.

TraderBrock has bought directly from Guna, Embera, Wounaan and Ngäbe artisans since 1991, and sales revenue goes back into those communities for education, medical care, tools and land. This panel came from Guna Yala, the San Blas islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. It is ready to frame, mount, or sew into a pillow or a quilt panel, and it can be hand washed. No two molas are ever alike, and small variations in size, stitching and color are normal in handmade textiles.

Width: 16"
Height: 10"
SKU: PM2110T

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