Maze figures on black and orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 14.5 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, hooked yellow and pink maze figures with green and orange bow shapes, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, lime green and orange applique borders on black
Maze figures on black and orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 14.5 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, hooked yellow and pink maze figures with green and orange bow shapes, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, lime green and orange applique borders on black
Maze figures on black and orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 14.5 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, hooked yellow and pink maze figures with green and orange bow shapes, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, lime green and orange applique borders on black
Maze figures on black and orange mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 14.5 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, hooked yellow and pink maze figures with green and orange bow shapes, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, lime green and orange applique borders on black

Maze Figures On Black With Orange Border Mola

21100621LE

$ 26.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 14.5"
  • Height: 12.0"

Maze Figures On Black With Orange Border Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. Two tall panels stand side by side, each holding a hooked maze figure, a wide bow shape and a row of blunt teeth, with fine running stitches dotting the black field between them. Each time you look, the shapes seem to rearrange into something new. At 14.5 inches wide and 12 inches high it fits a narrow wall or a small frame. Try it in a hallway, an office, or beside a bookcase.

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: 14.5"
Height: 12"
SKU: 21100621LE

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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