Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches
Panama mola panel, thick brick red lines drawing one large bird on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, curtain of orange blue and lime bars forming the body
Red outlined bird with long beak mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 12.5 inches

The Long Beaked Bird Who Never Talks Back Panama Mola

PM2681T

$47.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 18.0"
  • Height: 12.5"

A single big bird takes up almost the whole of this panel, drawn in a thick brick red outline with a ringed eye set in a dark head and a long beak that sweeps out to the right. His body is a curtain of bold bars in orange, blue, magenta, lime and purple hanging down to two broad feet, and a wavy green line runs above him like a thought he decided not to say. Tall side panels of colored dashes close the design in on both hands. It is 18 inches wide and 12.5 inches high. All of it is cut and turned by hand in reverse applique.

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: 18"
Height: 12.5"
SKU: PM2681T

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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