Authentic Guna (Kuna) Mola Textile Art Panel - Hand-Stitched Reverse Appliqué
$55.00
Captivating Layered Art from the Guna People
The mola is a spectacular form of textile art, hand-stitched exclusively by the Kuna (or Guna) women of the San Blas Islands (Kuna Yala) in Panama and some small Guna villages in Colombia. Far more than just fabric, a mola is a multilayered panel created using a highly specialized reverse appliqué technique. This process involves cutting away sections of various colored fabrics and meticulously stitching the edges to reveal the layers beneath, creating a vibrant, three-dimensional visual effect.
Unique Craftsmanship & Detail
• Reverse Appliqué: The intricate geometric patterns and figurative designs are achieved by layering multiple colors of cloth (typically 2 to 7 layers) and cutting the top layers to reveal the colors below, then using fine, hidden stitching to secure the edges.
• Vibrant Color & Symmetry: Molas are celebrated for their dazzling color palettes and their powerful sense of symmetry.
• Intricate Designs: The patterns are inspired by a variety of sources: traditional Guna body paint designs, nature (birds, fish, animals, plants, or sea life as seen in our collection), Guna legends, or abstract geometric forms.
A Window into Guna Culture
Historically worn as panels on the front and back of the Guna women's traditional blouses, molas are not just decorative; they are a vital expression of the Guna worldview and cultural identity. Acquiring a mola supports the artists and helps preserve this incredible indigenous tradition.
Display & Styling
• Framing: Ideal for framing as wall art to showcase their intricate detail.
• Textile Accent: Can be sewn onto pillows, bags, or clothing for a unique, bohemian accent.
• Perfect Gift: A thoughtful and exotic gift for textile lovers, art collectors, or anyone who appreciates handmade indigenous crafts.
Product Specifications
• Origin: Kuna Yala (San Blas Islands), Panama
• Tribe: Kuna (Guna)
• Materials: Cotton fabrics, hand-stitched
• Dimensions: Approx. 21" x 12"
• Condition: new
[Note: Minor thread ends or slight imperfections are typical and add to the handmade character.]
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
We pack everything with care. If you would like something gift wrapped, please add gift wrap option to your order. We use gift boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper, and gift bags. Since we have a variety of shapes and sizes, we use different options depending on the item. If you would like something specific, please message us and let us know. Thanks! Happy shopping!
Wholesale availability
We do offer wholesale pricing. Please message us at LunazulGallery@gmail.com. Thanks for the opportunity.
Custom and personalized orders
We would love to work with you to make a custom or personalized product. Message us with your idea. We can personalize most all of our copper items with hand engraving. We can do custom logos, names, dates for weddings, special events, corporate gifts, etc.. Volume discounts available.
Do we ship international?
Yes we do. For most items, we have an affordable first class parcel option for international. We can also ship faster via UPS, Fedex, or DHL. Contact us for a price. We pack very carefully and have successfully shipped worldwide many items.
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