#30 A Mola, Artist unknown

Title: A Mola

Medium: Textile applique

Approximate Size: 23"h 21"w

Framed

Mola

Mola is a Kuna word meaning fabric, cloth, or shirt. Mola art is made by women of the indigenous Kuna tribe of Panama and it is an important part of Kuna identity. It developed in the late 19th century from the earlier art form of body painting, with the designs originally being painted on cloth, and later sewn on. The preferred colours of Mola art are red, yellow, blue, and black. It usually depicts images from daily life and is usually done on women’s clothing such as skirts and head scarves. 

Source: University of Oregon - Museum of Natural and Cultural History