Name: Vintage Perched Parrot With Leafy Branch Panama Mola
Brand: MolaMagic
SKU: PM4298T
Price: 22.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Perched parrot with a leafy branch mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 16 by 12 inches

Panama mola panel, parrot outlined in pink inside a maroon maze, handmade reverse applique

Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, striped leaf below a perched parrot

$ 22.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Handmade in Panama

Fair Trade

Width: 16 in

Height: 12 in

Vintage Perched Parrot With Leafy Branch Mola is a handmade textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A parrot outlined in pink sits on a branch above a striped leaf, surrounded by a maroon maze over a pale printed backing. Groups of slim bars fill the corners, and a small plant with a heart shaped top grows behind it. This one is 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, and while every layer of cloth was cut by hand, a sewing machine helped with some of the stitching. Quilters may see quilt panels here, while you might simply hang it in a sunny room.

From Jan at MolaMagic: In the 1960s someone decided Guna mola artists should have sewing machines to speed things up. It did not go over well, because collectors wanted hand stitching. These pieces still pop up, and there is a hidden value in them. If you plan to frame it, nobody will ask how it was sewn, and if you are a seamstress who likes to cut molas into your own creations, it matters even less. That background material is pure 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: PM4298T

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.

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

Guna mola of a bright blue and green parrot perched on a branch, framed by a black and white maze pattern

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.

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.

Vintage Perched Parrot With Leafy Branch Panama Mola

Creating a Mola