How Molas Are made

MOLA ART AND CRAFT

FOCUSED ON TEXTILES

Mola Art began when Kuna Women gained access to modern, store-bought fabrics. The First designs represented their culture, mythology, native animals and plants. Today's molas are still made in the traditional, geometric designs, but might also be inspired by comic book characters, advertising, and political posters. The most representative of a the Kuna Culture is "The Mola".

Molas are made in reverse applique which consists of placing three to five layers of different colors one of top of the other, and cutting out the outline of the design from the top layer to reveal the layer underneath. The cut edges are then finely hemmed. The color of each lower layer creates the outline of the image. Only the bottom layer is not cut. It becomes the background color and supports the stitching of the other layers.

Molas are colourful, intricate, reverse embroidery, needlework, with geometric, abstract or local animal designs. They are handsewn only by the Kuna Indians of San Blas Islands, Kuna Yala, Panama. The most sophisticated textile art within Latin America.

Molas are exquisite, both for framing as well as incorporting into creative projects and wearable art. Enjoy making beautiful quilts with molas and molitas hadmade the Kuna Indians of San Blas, Panama.

Molas can be fashioned into many different and unique gifts like t-shirts, vests, jackets, blouses, jeans, jean skirt, purses, hand bags, tote bags, women's shoes, neck tie and more.You can also make a pillow or delightful wallhanging, a placemat, pot holders, chair covers, etc., be creative.

If you are hosting an special event and would like to order quantity of any items for gift please e-mail me or visit Mola Gallery.

Explore our wide selection of unique and "Superb Quality" handmade molas and mola items, visit us at http://www.molaartandcraft.com/, please feel free to contact me with your questions at RitaSmith@Clearwire.net. (free shipping on all your purchases).

Our top goal is to enable the Kuna indians and their communities to prosper, we value their work and put the Kunas before profit, we buy directly from the Kuna artisans to make sure that they receive the benefits, that way they will have enough money to solve their economic needs, to continue to provide collectors and all customers with this Exquisite and fine Textile Art from San Blas Kuna Yala, Panama। The sale of molas is one of the most important source of income for the Kuna's.