Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches
Panama mola panel, burgundy ground with blue and cream outlining, hand stitched reverse applique
Hand stitched Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, a row of small shields beneath a dark leaf shape
Two national flags on yellow staffs with stars mola, hand stitched Guna panel from Panama, 15 by 10 inches

Flags Raised Over A Garden Of Shields Panama Mola

PM3941T

$ 24.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 15 in"
  • Height:10 in "

Flags Raised Over A Garden Of Shields Mola is a hand sewn textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. Two flags fly from slim yellow staffs, each one quartered in red, white and blue with its stars stitched in place, and a single star hangs between them like a badge. Anyone with a soft spot for Panama will feel a small swell of pride standing in front of it. At 15 inches wide and 10 inches high, it is a compact piece that frames easily for a gift or a travel wall. It makes a fine keepsake for your office if you have lived in, visited or served in Panama.

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"
Height: 10"
SKU: PM3941T

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 Kuna women skillfully sewing a vibrant mola, a traditional textile art, for sale on TraderBrock.com, where you can find unique handcrafted items.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cultural Meaning

Molas are more than wearable art, they 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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