The TraderBrock Journal
Stories, guides, and history from 35 years of working with Panama's indigenous artists.
Start with our lead guide: What Is a Mola? The Complete Guide to Panama's Most Iconic Textile Art.
Explore by topic
Artisan Stories
Meet the Guna, Wounaan, and Emberá makers and the traditions behind every piece.
Mola Guides
How molas are made, what the designs mean, and how to choose one you will love.
Collector and Gift Guides
Care tips, buying advice, and gift ideas for handmade art.
Life in Panama
Food, history, and everyday life in the country our artists call home.
Our Journey
Founder Len Brockman's story, from the Peace Corps to 35 years in Panama's rainforest villages.
Start here
What Is a Mola?
The complete guide to Panama's most iconic textile art: how molas are made, who makes them, and how to choose one.
The Mola Story
How Guna women turned layers of cloth into a living tapestry of art and culture.
Why Guna Artisans Started Making Molas
A story of art, culture, and resilience that began on the San Blas islands.
Holiday gift guides
Handmade gifts with a story behind them, from Guna molas to Wounaan and Emberá baskets, tagua carvings, and woven masks. Browse the collection, then read our guides for ideas.
