Molas: "The Art of the Kuna Indians of San Blas, Panama"
I hope you are filled with passion for the love of Mola Art.
Molas are the perfect gift for Birthday, Wedding, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, Quilting projects, art lessons, teaching how to make molas, to add to your private collection, or if you recently visited Panama and couldn't find what you were looking for, here is your opportunity to buy.
When you purchase a mola from us, you know that you are buying an authentic handmade "Mola" that is unique as you are, and that will last for the years to come.
Don't forget to purchase the book Molas and Kuna Traditions on my website: http://www.molaartandcraft.com/2222222222index.php
Don't forget to purchase the book Molas and Kuna Traditions on my website: http://www.molaartandcraft.com/2222222222index.php
Geometric Mola
Angel Mola
What is a mola?
There are many pieces of Art in Panama that come from our aborigines, the mola is Panama's favorite native Artwork, and if one of the most recognized all over the world.
Molas are colorful, rich, vivid reverse-applique and embroidery panels handcrafted by the Kuna Indians of San Blas, Panama. Traditionally molas are part of their Kuna Blouses (front & back). Some molas are used, others are new. The word Mola, is "Morra" in Kuna Language and means the outfit of the female Kuna and it has a deep relationship with nature.
The mola is taught to have originated from early body painting of the women in the sixteenth century, later the process of body painting was transfer to cloth and next on to dress decorations. The overall appearance of their dress has not changed over the years.
These pieces are true work of art, highly desirable by many collectors, quilters and people are finding new uses for mola.
Who is the Mola Artist?
The Kunas (Tule) are a tribal society, their life is simply and very close to mother nature, they inhabit some of the San Blas Islands on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Panama. They have fight for years in order to mantain their cultural identity and traditions. Today they have an autonomous territory in Panama and each island is run by their chief.
Mola Technique:
When you first look at a mola, you think that they are made only by reverse applique cut out technique, this is completely wrong, a mola can be made using a variety of technique, some may have a combination of reverse applique and applique on top of the reverse applique, sawtooth stitch, stripes, cut out triangles, circles, weaving background, embroidery to enhance the design. The colors of these arts come from their principal colors: the red, black, orange.
For a mola to be completely finished the entired surface of the mola should be used. In other words, whatever the Kuna Artist add to a particular mola should highlight the main subject but not overshadow it.
Molas has been diversified in the traditional and the commercial ones. According to the Kuna Artisans, the traditionals are harder to make because they are made of several layers of fabric, every layer has cuts that reveals the colors below. The commercial ones has a lot of images of animals and nature, they are easier to make because the composition is made of a lot of pieces of fabric "applique".
This Art has been handed down from grandmothers to mothers to daughters as very young girls for centuries. Young girls begin by sewing patterns cut for them by the women in the family. as they learn they sew more and more complex designs and are sometimes allowed to sew small section of Molas the women are working on, progressing eventually to cutting and sewing their own blouses.
Since Panama is a tropical paradise and home to many foreign people, the Kuna Artist may use anything that they see or surround them to inspire a mola.
How long does it take to make a mola? Is everything handstitched?
A mola can take from 2 weeks up to a year, depending on the complexity of the design. I only incorporate molas in my collection that are completely handmade.
How to display your Mola:
Mola panels can be worn, made into quilts, wallhangings, pillow, placemats, pot holders, tablecloths, aprons, purses, jackets, dresses, craft into shoes, etc.
How to care for your Molas:
Molas are made of sturdy fabric, they can be washed safely in warm water and mild soap. Molas last forever if you take really good care. Don't expose the mola directly into the sun, rather let it air out under your covered patio.
How the Sell of Molas benefit the Artist?
Through the sale of Mola the Kuna Artist seek the means of financial security, better education for their children, money for healthcare, etc. The Kunas live in small islands with limited economic opportunities.
Where can someone purchase your mola art?
All molas can be purchased by going to my website, just click on the link below:
Website: http://www.molaartandcraft.com/index.php
E-mail: ritasmithwc@att.net
Owner: Rita Smith
