Name: A Caribbean Hermit Crab In Its Maze Guna Mola
Brand: TraderBrock
SKU: PM0919T
Price: 47.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Hermit crab maze on burgundy mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 12 inches

Panama mola panel, red, orange and yellow crab spiral coiling on burgundy, hand stitched reverse applique

Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, clean hand cut applique edges through every turn

$47.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Handmade in Panama

Fair Trade

Width: 17.0"

Height: 12.0"

The hermit crab here is all shell and spiral, two mirrored labyrinths in red, orange and yellow winding back on themselves against a deep burgundy ground. The Guna artist has drawn the creature the way its own shell is built, a coiled path with no loose ends, and the hand cut reverse appliqué edges stay clean the whole way through. At 17 inches wide and 12 inches high, it is one of the larger panels and reads beautifully as graphic art.

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: 17"
Height: 12"
SKU: PM0919T

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

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.

A Caribbean Hermit Crab In Its Maze Guna Mola

Creating a Mola