Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, one cat face with ears up and a red nose on black, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, cat with embroidered whiskers and a heavy frame
Smiling cat face mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches

Smiling Cat Face On Black Mola

PM3864T

$ 36.99
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 16 in
  • Height: 12 in

One cat face stares straight out of this panel, ears up, whiskers drawn in fine embroidered lines that ripple across both cheeks, a red nose in the middle and a mouth that is unmistakably smiling. The face sits inside a heavy frame of red, hot pink and orange against black, and even the eyes have tiny stitched lashes. At 16 by 12 inches this one gets a reaction from across the room, and it is usually a laugh.

A mola is a hand stitched textile panel made by the Guna people of Panama. Layers of brightly colored cotton are stacked, then cut down through one layer at a time to reveal the colors underneath, with every raw edge turned and stitched by hand. The technique is called reverse appliqué, and Guna women have been refining it for generations. Molas were originally made in matching pairs for the front and back of a blouse, and the designs draw on birds, fish, plants, and geometric patterns from the islands and rainforest where they are made.

This panel comes from Guna Yala, the San Blas islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. No two molas are ever alike. Ready to frame, mount, or sew into a pillow or quilt panel. Small variations in size, stitching, and color are normal in handmade textiles and are part of what makes each one authentic.

Width: 16"
Height: 12"
SKU: PM3864T

Each mola is stitched entirely by hand, so gentle care keeps it looking its best.

Hand wash in cold water with a mild soap, on its own. Do not wring, bleach, or tumble dry. Lay flat to dry, out of direct sun. If needed, press on the back with a warm iron, with a cloth between the iron and the mola.

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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

Mola Story

Creating a Mola

The process begins with layering vibrant cotton fabrics, which are carefully cut to reveal intricate patterns beneath. Guna artisans then use a combination of appliqué and reverse appliqué techniques, often enhancing each piece with fine hand embroidery. The result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind work of textile art rich in tradition, color, and cultural meaning.

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 showcase animals such as birds, fish, turtles, and more. These designs can range from realistic to abstract and sometimes feature multiple animals in a single piece. Each depiction carries symbolic meaning and reflects the Guna people's deep connection to nature.

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

Geometric

Many molas incorporate intricate geometric patterns like triangles, diamonds, and zigzags. These designs often use vibrant color combinations and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, symbolizing balance, energy, or cultural motifs.

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

Floral

Floral molas highlight the beauty of nature through depictions of flowers, leaves, and vines. Whether stylized or realistic, these patterns often feature vivid colors and represent growth, life, and harmony with the natural world.

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

Mythical creatures

Some molas portray mythical beings such as dragons, mermaids, or hybrid animals. These imaginative designs often blend storytelling with spiritual symbolism, reflecting legends passed down through generations.

Guna mola with two large S-shaped spiral symbols in gray, orange, and white on red, filled with small colored stitches

Cultural symbols

Molas sometimes feature sacred or traditional symbols that hold cultural or spiritual meaning. These motifs may represent identity, protection, or ancestral knowledge, offering a glimpse into the values of Guna heritage.

Guna mola of figures and animals in a white maze on maroon, with small colorful flags in the upper corners

Landscapes

Scenic molas depict landscapes such as islands, rivers, or village life. These compositions capture the daily environment of the Guna people and celebrate their deep bond with the land and sea.

Guna artisan's hands sewing a pink and orange mola, wearing beaded arm bands and a patterned skirt

Cultural Meaning

Molas are powerful expressions of Guna identity, heritage, and worldview. Through intricate designs, they tell stories of myths, traditions, and everyday life. As an essential part of Guna women's clothing, molas reflect cultural pride, creativity, and a deep connection to community and history.

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