Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, chestnut upper wings above a glow of yellow scallops, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, magenta flower with a blue center under the bird
Yellow jungle bird with open wings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 13 inches

A Golden Oropendola Opens Both Wings Panama Mola

PM3261T

$85.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 16 in"
  • Height:13 in "

A jungle bird crosses this panel with her wings open wide, the upper edge chestnut brown and the whole underside a glow of yellow scallops stitched round with pink and orange thread. Her head is brown with a small white eye and a short gold beak, her tail runs brown to the right, and a magenta flower with a blue center sits below her among green leaves. Maze blocks in pink, blue, teal and brown fill in the black ground on all sides. It is 16 inches wide and 13 inches high. Every shape is cut and turned by hand in reverse appliqué.

A mola is a hand stitched panel 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 every raw edge is turned and stitched closed by hand. The technique is called reverse appliqué. Guna women have been refining it for generations, and the designs draw on the birds, fish, plants and geometric patterns of the islands and rainforest where they live.

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: 13"
SKU: PM3261T

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

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.

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