Name: Vintage Eighth Wonder Of The World Panama Mola
Brand: MolaMagic
SKU: 22060156T
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Bird in a golden ring with butterfly jugs mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 13.5 by 8.5 inches

Panama mola panel, winged bird inside a golden oval with four butterfly jugs, hand stitched reverse applique

Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, bird, butterfly jugs and hanger shapes on black

$ 14.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Handmade in Panama

Fair Trade

Width: 13.5"

Height: 8.5"

Vintage Eighth Wonder Of The World Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A pink edged bird spreads its wings inside a big golden oval, while four butterfly jugs on little feet stand at the corners and a row of hanger shapes runs along the bottom. Small diamonds and slim bars fill every gap between them, so no corner sits empty. It measures 13.5 inches wide and 8.5 inches high. If you like a design with a sense of humor, this one will get your guests talking.

From Jan at MolaMagic: Look at those butterfly jugs standing on duck feet. In the middle, the eighth wonder of the world spreads its wings, but the coat hangers along the bottom really take the cake. Yes, this one is vintage, probably from back in the stone age.

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.

MolaMagic was founded by Janet Marie Brockman with a simple but powerful mission: to help indigenous women of color in Panama share their art with the world. For over twenty years, all profits have gone right back into the artisan community, supporting education, medical care, land, tools, and daily needs. Buying a MolaMagic mola means you are part of that story too.

Width: 13.5"
Height: 8.5"
SKU: 22060156T

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

Three Guna women in red head scarves and mola blouses sewing molas together outdoors in Panama

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.

Close-up of a Guna artisan's hands stitching a black and white mola, with traditional beaded bands on her wrists

meaning behind the designs

Guna mola of a bright blue and green parrot perched on a branch, framed by a black and white maze pattern

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.

Guna mola with two large S-shaped spiral symbols in gray, orange, and white on red, filled with small colored stitches

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.

Guna mola of figures and animals in a white maze on maroon, with small colorful flags in the upper corners

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.

Guna artisan's hands sewing a pink and orange mola, wearing beaded arm bands and a patterned skirt

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.

Vintage Eighth Wonder Of The World Panama Mola

Creating a Mola