Mola (art form)

The Mola ( pl. Molakana or Molas ) is a traditional Nähkunstwerk the Kuna Indians. It is a sewn crafted rectangular object image. It reflects the blend of traditional Kuna culture with influences of the modern world.

The Art of Molanäherei emerged in the mid-19th century with the availability of cheap colorful cotton fabrics, the fabrics are plain weave and sewing material is derived from the body paint from. The design of today's Molas is often inspired by modern graphics, embossed images of books or cartoons, political posters, but also by traditional motifs of the Kuna legends and culture.

The Molas are sewn on the front and back of the blouse of the Kuna women. They are made from scraps of fabric that are sewn in two to seven layers together to produce by cutting out and sewing up of individual faces a motive.

The quality of Mola, among others characterized by the number of layers of fabric used, the fineness of the stitches and the uniformity and size of the cut-out portions of the image.

578365
de