Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches
Panama mola panel, olive green scroll blocks with purple gold and blue maze keys on orange, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, small triangles set into the corners of the field
Four maze blocks on orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 14 inches

Four Quadrant Labyrinth Blocks Panama Mola

22052803T

$ 29.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 18.0"
  • Height: 14.0"

Four Quadrant Labyrinth Blocks Mola is a hand sewn textile panel made by the Guna people of Panama, known for generations as the Kuna. Four olive scroll blocks turn like pinwheels across bright orange, each one packed with the small hooked keys a Guna maker uses to fill a field without ever quite repeating herself. Order and motion at the same time, which is a hard trick to pull off. At 18 inches wide and 14 inches high it has the scale to carry a wall on its own, and it was worked by hand and finished on a machine. Strong over a sideboard, in a stairwell, or anywhere a room needs one piece of graphic art.

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: 18"
Height: 14"
SKU: 22052803T

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

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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.

You may also like

Recently viewed

Back to MOLA