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Kuna Tribe
Mola is a textile art created by the Kuna Yala people in Panama. The Kuna are an indigenous, mostly Afro-descended group living on Isla de San Blas and other parts of Panama's Pacific Coast. Mola art is widespread among them and can be found in their houses or on their bodies. They are often intricately stitched together to be worn as clothing or blankets. They are also sometimes woven together into larger pieces like mats or carpets, but it is prevalent for them to include images of animals like frogs, fish, or snakes; colors and shapes are used to tell stories and express emotions as well as depict plants like flowers or trees; they are used during ceremonies that celebrate important moments in life such as births, deaths or marriages;
Mola art designs are often geometric patterns with bright colors and geometric shapes, like triangles or diamonds. It's believed that this style originated from when Spanish traders would trade cloth with them in exchange for gold or silver; however, no concrete evidence has been found yet that proves this theory true (or false).
The Kuna word "mola" (mola'e which means "to sew") translates roughly to blanket or tapestry, but it also refers to objects used in ceremonies and everyday uses. In other words: mola is not just a blanket, it's an art form that has been passed down for generations through the people of this region. Mola artists create intricate geometric designs on cloth using only a needle and thread, often working from memory or images they've seen elsewhere (as opposed to patterns). This process can take anywhere from several days to several months, depending on your project's size!
Colors and shapes are used to tell stories, express emotions, and depict animals, plants and other natural elements. The yellow color signifies the sun, which brings warmth and life to the world.
Red is used when painting warriors or scenes involving death because red represents blood - the life force of humans that flows through our veins like water flows through a river bed. The materials used are diverse: fabric (cotton), threads (silk), gold or silver leaves - but one thing remains consistent: every piece has some animal on it! It's very common for molas to include images of animals like for example frogs, fish, or snakes because these animals have special significance within Kuna mythology. For example, fishes swimming through waterfalls on either side of an intricate flower border patterned after traditional Kuna textiles are called "bordados de costura."
Mola art is an incredible example of the creativity and craftsmanship of the Kuna people. It's also an important part of their culture, which is why it's so important that we preserve this tradition by knowing them deeply, visiting them and buying their handmade pieces.
Gamila Mostafa
A Rome based travel artist , founder of Teeris, ocean and nature lover.
