Name: The Weirdo Is Delighted With Himself Panama Mola
Brand: TraderBrock
SKU: PM3087T
Price: 22.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Grinning weirdo face in rainbow rings mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15.5 by 11.5 inches

Panama mola panel, wide eyed spirit face in blue and green inside concentric oval bands, hand stitched reverse applique

Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, four tulip shaped tails with embroidered veins on a dashed black ground

$ 22.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Handmade in Panama

Fair Trade

Width: 15.5"

Height: 11.5"

The Weirdo Is Delighted With Himself Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A cheerful weirdo of a face sits in the center with two big eyes and a wide toothy grin, wrapped in an oval of concentric bands, while four tulip shaped tails spring out from the corners. He is so obviously delighted with himself that his mood rubs off on you. It is 15.5 inches wide and 11.5 inches high, easy to frame and fun as a pillow on a couch. It belongs in a game room, a dorm or an office that takes itself too seriously.

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.

Founded in 1991, TraderBrock celebrates the handcraft of Latin America's indigenous peoples. Every piece comes from Guna, Wounaan and Emberá artisans we know by name, and all profits are reinvested in their communities for education, tools and the teaching of ancestral techniques. Buying from TraderBrock helps keep their culture and their traditions alive.

Width: 15.5"
Height: 11.5"
SKU: PM3087T

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.

The Weirdo Is Delighted With Himself Panama Mola

Creating a Mola