Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches
Panama mola panel, crested bird with a striped tail on black, handmade reverse applique
Handmade Guna mola from Guna Yala Panama, purple yellow and red maze around a bird
Crested bird with spiral corners mola, handmade Guna panel from Panama, 18 by 13 inches

Vintage Crested Bird With Spiral Corners Panama Mola

PM4299T

$ 29.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Handmade in Panama
  • Fair Trade
  • Width: 18 in
  • Height: 13 in

Vintage Crested Bird With Spiral Corners Mola is a handmade textile by a Guna (Kuna) artisan in Panama. A crested bird with a maroon head, a white eye and a long striped tail stands on black, ringed by purple, yellow and red maze lines. Spirals and small hooks curl into each corner, and leaf shapes mark the feet. At 18 inches wide and 13 inches high, it is a sturdy piece, and while every layer of cloth was cut by hand, a sewing machine helped with some of the stitching. Hang it in your den or turn it into pillow covers for a lively sofa.

From Jan at MolaMagic: Here is the story. In the 1960s the Guna were given sewing machines to speed things along, and collectors, who wanted hand stitching, were not impressed. A few of these still surface, each with a hidden value all its own. Frame it and the stitching does not matter. Hand it to a seamstress who will cut it up for her own designs, and it matters even less.

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: 18"
Height: 13"
SKU: PM4299T

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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