Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, long creature with a zigzag tail and paddle lips in a gold maze, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, zigzag tail at one end and paddle lips at the other
Critter optical illusion mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 17 by 13 inches

A Critter With A Zigzag Tail And Paddle Lips Panama Mola

PM4621T

$ 36.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 17 in
  • Height: 13 in

A Critter With A Zigzag Tail And Paddle Lips Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A long creature with a zigzag tail and broad paddle shaped lips stretches through a gold maze on a maroon field. Depending on where you start, it is either admiring its tail or puckering up for a kiss. It measures 17 inches wide and 13 inches high, a big panel for a wide frame. Hang it in your den and see which way your friends read it.

From TraderBrock: Is our critter looking back at his electric tail or forward with ping pong paddle lips? I love these mola artists...

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: 17"
Height: 13"
SKU: PM4621T

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.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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.

You may also like

Recently viewed