Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches
Panama mola panel, striped parrot outlined in orange on a branch, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, maroon maze over cream leaf print
Parrot on a branch in a maze mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches

Vintage Parrot On A Branch In A Maze Panama Mola

PM4297T

$ 22.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 16 in
  • Height: 12 in

Vintage Parrot On A Branch In A Maze Mola is a handmade textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A parrot outlined in orange perches on a branch at the center, its feathers striped in many colors, inside a maroon maze over cream leaf print. Bars of pattern fill the four corners, and a stylized plant rises beside the perch. Measuring 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, it shows that while every layer of cloth was cut by hand, a sewing machine helped with some of the stitching. Hang it on your wall, or let it become pillow covers or quilt panels.

From Jan at MolaMagic: When sewing machines arrived among Guna mola makers in the 1960s, the idea was to speed things up. Collectors said no thanks, since they wanted hand stitching. Molas like this still surface from time to time, with a hidden value. Put one in a frame and the stitching hardly matters, and a seamstress who wants to cut it up for trim will not care at all. The printed background material adds a lot of charm, so click for a closeup.

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. 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.

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: 16"
Height: 12"
SKU: PM4297T

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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