Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Molas made by the Kuna from Panama

In Rugs and Textiles > Embroidery > Show & Tell.
Embroidery196 of 236Embroidery work I found in my mothers and grandmothers fabric stashUn identified hand embroiderys on silk
5
Love it
0
Like it

Hoot60Hoot60 loves this.
ho2cultchaho2cultcha loves this.
toracattoracat loves this.
miKKoChristmas11miKKoChristmas11 loves this.
crabbykinscrabbykins loves this.
See 3 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 12 years ago

    amandabuns
    (22 items)

    These molas were made by the Kuna people in Panama. I've had the pleasure of getting to know a few of them through my university.

    The first one is the oldest, and was likely a matched pair. The original function of these pieces was as a front and back panel for a woman's blouse. The symbology represents an octopus with his arms pointing to the four cardinal directions.

    The rest were made for sale. The one with the lobster is my favorite because of how detailed it is. The one with the bird is a very traditional design.

    The mask and oven mitt are just a couple of interesting things!

    logo
    Embroidery
    See all
    Authentic Karastan 900-901 Samovar Persiann Vase Wool American Rug 8'8
    Authentic Karastan 900-901 Samovar ...
    $1,800
    Vintage Handwoven Navajo Tree Of Life Wool Rug Tapestry 27
    Vintage Handwoven Navajo Tree Of Li...
    $180
    NAVAJO Contemporary Rug Textile Geometric Design Blue, Brown, Dark Red, White
    NAVAJO Contemporary Rug Textile Geo...
    $595
    Nike Air Jordan Custom Hand Tufted Rug Area Carpet 2x2 Felt Backed
    Nike Air Jordan Custom Hand Tufted ...
    $60
    logo
    Authentic Karastan 900-901 Samovar Persiann Vase Wool American Rug 8'8
    Authentic Karastan 900-901 Samovar ...
    $1,800
    See all

    Comments

    1. amandabuns amandabuns, 12 years ago
      Thank you! And thanks for the loves. :)
    2. ho2cultcha ho2cultcha, 12 years ago
      these are great amandabuns! that second one was made by a very skilled person. i really like the older ones alot and i like guessing what they represent. i lived in a central american indian village for several years and there is a lot of common mythology. i just noticed i have a mola wall pocket w/ what i think is a flying fish on it - right next to my desk.
    3. amandabuns amandabuns, 12 years ago
      Thanks! I love the lobster one (which has been moved by someone to be the first image, making my description inaccurate). That sounds like a wonderful experience. And I would love to see your flying fish.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.