Molas

Molas are a unique form of quilting done by the Kuna Indians who live on the San Blas Islands off the east coast of Panama. This colorful type of quilting is called reverse quilting, because various pieces of colored fabrics are sandwiched together and then the design is cut into the fabric and the edges sewn under to reveal the colored design. Some have suggested that the Kuna Indians adapted these designed from traditional forms of Caribbean tattooing and body painting. When French settlers introduced clothing, the Kuna started painting their clothing.

Traditionally the patterns are geometric or come from the natural world of animals, village life, myths, trees, fish, and birds. Molas were made into squares with two panels made for constructing women’s blouses, one panel on the front and one on the back. Young girls begin learning to make molas at a young age, and it can take up to 100 hours to make a good quality mola.

Today, molas are heavily influenced by modern society and may have advertising or political slogans sewn into the patterns. Molas are sold to tourists and are now often made into tote bags or other gift items. Even when sewing machines were introduced, the Kuna still chose to stitch the molas by hand and use the machine for constructing their blouses and other projects.

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