Mola from Colombia, Kuna Indians

Mola from Colombia, Kuna Indians

Material: 100% cotton

Dimensions: approx. 36 cm x 26 cm

Molas are traditional sewed artwork by Kuna Indians. They are part of an indigenous ethnicity that resides in Panama and in the coastal area in Columbia, near the Atlantic. The Molas are rectangular motives, that are pieced together from differently coloured cotton pieces, which are sewn together in up to seven layers. The motives derive from the Kuna Indians traditions, which used to be practiced in body painting. With the availability from cotton, the production of these motives on fabric began.

The motives are closely linked with the mythology and religion of the Kuna Indians, who believe that it is their God-given task to protect and preserve mother earth. Today, the motives are a mix of the traditional and modern influences. They are sewn onto the blouses of the Kuna-women and today available for the international market. With the usage of our Kunas, creativity is the limit. They are not edged or trimmed, which allows them to be used as design base for other textiles. Some possible usages include: as wall picture (framed or not framed), to decorate clothing or home textiles (perhaps pillows, blankets, …)