Mola A type of applique design in which several layers of cloth are sewn together and the top layers

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Mola - A type of applique design in which
several layers of cloth are sewn together and the
top layers are cut and turned to show the colors
underneath.

• Traditionally made by the Cuna Indians, native to
  the San Blas de Cuna Islands, off the coast of
  Panama,

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• Situated in the Caribbean Sea a few miles off the
  north
• coast of Panama, the San Blas de Cuna Islands are
  the
• home of the Cuna, a traditional society of Native
  
• Americans. Most of these tropical islands are
  very
• small. Many are
• surrounded by coral
• reefs. The islands
• are part of Panama,
• but are primarily
• administered by
• the Cuna tribe.

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• Molas are one of the primary expressions of the
  visual arts in Cuna society. All genuine molas
  are created by Cuna women as the focal point for
  their own dress. The designs are always original
  and are an important way for a woman to express
  herself and demonstrate her talent and industry
  in this politically active and traditionally
  matriarchal society

• Kuna Indian women spend many hours hand sewing
  these fabulous "molas" to be worn on both sides
  of their blouses.

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Birds abound on the San Blas de Cuna Islands, and
are held in high esteem by the mola makers.
Parrots, storks, and turkeys are among the birds.
These may be the most popular designs for use as
wall art in more northerly climes.
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Nautical themes have a natural attraction to
people living on tiny specks of coral in the
midst of a vast sea.
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