Molas are manufactured as a unique piece each to be the top of the dressing or blouse women wear. It takes from ten days up to several months each piece. Molas have their origin in body painting (tattoos). They represent their cosmogonic thought, a graphic vision of a world full of colour and anthropomorphic and zoomorphic meanings. They embody an entire philosophy and are a well-preserved tradition.
Two or more layers of cloth are stitched together so that the design shows through openings in the layers. The design is inspired by shapes and figures from the world that surrounds the Kunas. A theme repeated in "molas" is the labyrinth. The Kuna Indians believe that men, the exuberant tropical vegetation, and animals are reunited constantly through complex paths. The appealing, colourful geometric figures depict mythical scenes, the creation of the world, and the animals and flowers of the region inhabited by the Kuna.
You may purchase the pieces of fabric themselves or assembled in wall tapestries, cushions, tote bags and others.
