Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches
Panama molita, a scarlet macaw on an orange branch on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna molita from Guna Yala Panama, feathers cut through layered cotton on a black background
Scarlet Macaw molita, small hand stitched Guna mola from Panama, 6 by 5.5 inches

Scarlet Macaw On An Orange Branch Molita

22022420T

$ 9.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: "
  • Height: "

Own something nobody else has with this Scarlet Macaw On An Orange Branch Molita, hand sewn by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. Its red bird with a yellow and blue wing, perched among green leaves on black, is the only one cut and stitched exactly this way. It makes a thoughtful gift for bird lovers and folk art fans alike. At 6 inches wide and 5.5 inches high, it fits a small frame, a shadow box, or the front of a pillow. Hang it in a kitchen, a reading nook or a child's room where a little brightness goes a long way.

A molita is a small mola, made the same way as its larger cousins. Layers of colored cotton are stacked and cut down one layer at a time so the colors below show through, then every edge is turned under and stitched by hand. This technique, called reverse appliqué, comes from Guna Yala, the San Blas islands off Panama's Caribbean coast, and no two pieces 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: 6"
Height: 5.5"
SKU: 22022420T

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

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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

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 Guna mola with a repeating orange and black maze pattern outlined in white on deep maroon

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 Guna mola with two purple flowers above yellow spiral motifs, outlined in green, red, and gold on black

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.

Guna mola of two mythical creatures outlined in pink, orange, and green, with small birds and stars on black

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.

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