kuna
ARTISTS

Kuna Molas

Year Acquired: 2006

1st Floor, Kids Room, Fiction

The Kuna are from the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. Folk art textiles, like these, are made by an appliqué process referred to as “reverse appliqué,” using several layers of differently colored textiles which are sewn together. The layers are cut and stitched to allow the different colors to show through in the finished design. Designs depict flora, fauna, geometrics, and whimsical themes. The small colorful animal molas displayed in the library are sometimes called “molitas.” On the average a mola takes from four to six weeks to complete. The best mola makers are highly honored among the Kuna.