The mola forms part of the traditional costume of a Kuna (the indigenous people of Panama who inhabit the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama) woman.  Two mola panels are used as front and back of the blouse. The full costume traditionally includes a patterned wrapped skirt, a red and yellow headscarf, arm and leg beads, a gold nose ring and earrings in addition to the mola blouse which consists of many layers of fabric.

In Dulegaya, the Kuna's native language, "mola" means "shirt" or "clothing". The mola originated with the tradition of Kuna women painting their bodies with geometrical designs, using available natural dyes.  In later years these same designs were woven in cotton, and later still, sewn using cloth bought from the European settlers of Panama.  The Kunas have now become famous for this unique textile art form which employs the techniques of applique and reverse applique.  Many hours of careful sewing are required to create a fine mola. The ability to make an outstanding mola is a source of status among Kuna women.

Here we are offering some very fine molas.  As usual we only offer the best representations of indigenous crafts and are proud to show off some of our very fine mola collection.