How much does a mola cost in Panama?
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How much does a mola cost in Panama?
$10 to $50
They are priced from $10 to $50. Learning to identify quality molas is not too difficult. The main points to look fur are the same as in any primitive art : detail and definition. I began to get the knack after looking at 500 or 600 molas in the San Blas Islands and in Panama City.
Where can you find molas?
Molas are colorful panels sewn by the women of the Guna Indian tribe, who reside here in Panama in the San Blas Archipelago on the Caribbean Sea. Molas are part of traditional costumes worn by Guna women.
How are molas usually sold?
Molas are often sold in pairs, the pair consisting of the back and front panels of a blouse. The two molas are usually two variations on a theme. Matched molas complement each other and should be displayed or used together for the greatest impact.
Who wears molas in Panama?
Molas are a brightly colored textile art created by the Kuna tribe from the San Blas Blas region of Panama. Mola means cloth or clothing in the Kuna language. These panels of stacked cloth are used to make women’s blouses. Girls learn to make these at an early age and can spend up to 100 hours making one Mola!
What does Mola mean in Kuna?
to cover
Mola, the Kuna word meaning “to cover” are hand-sewn, embroidered blouse fronts and backs made and worn by Kuna women. Mola blouse-front designs evolved from body painting, which, in the late nineteenth century, was discouraged by colonial law.
What does a mola represent?
Molas are often used as “living history books”, showing hidden symbols of medical plants, protective symbols, or legends and stories. Typical Mola colors, such as burgundy, orange, or black are referring to the vegetable colors as used for body painting.
What makes a mola valuable?
Crossroads Trade molas are priced by quality. The more expensive molas reflect more complexity, outstanding craftswomanship and fine design. We’ve also made a difference by providing reading glasses to the women. The older women are thrilled to be able to continue their work.
How long does it take to create a mola?
about two months
Molas are the colorful, richly decorated art works made by the Kuna Indian women who live on the San Blas Islands near Panama. Many layers of cloth are stitched together by hand. Their images depict animals, nature, and everyday life. The average mola is 16” x 19” and takes about two months to complete.
How do you wash a mola?
They can be framed as art or made into pillows, place mats or wall hangings. Some people even make them into bedspreads or incorporate them into quilting projects. Molas are very sturdy and well sewn. Authentic molas have already been washed many times and can be safely hand washed in warm water.
What purpose do molas serve?
Molas were originally used as part of the women’s blouses. Molas are traditionally made and worn by the Kuna women and girls in pairs to serve as front and back panels of the blouses they wear everyday. Nowadays they are also sold to collectors and framed and exhibited.
What makes a good traditional mola?
The finest molas have extremely fine stitching, made using tiny needles. The largest pattern is typically cut from the top layer, and progressively smaller patterns from each subsequent layer, thus revealing the colours beneath in successive layers.
How are molas repurposed?
Mola panels have many uses. They can be framed as art or made into pillows, place mats or wall hangings. Some people even make them into bedspreads or incorporate them into quilting projects. Molas are very sturdy and well sewn.
How long does it take to create a high quality mola?
Depending on the intricacy and complexity of its designs, a mola can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to produce. In this technique, the mola maker stacks several layers of brightly colored rectangles of fabric and then bastes them together.
What is the most traditional type of mola?
Geometric molas are the most traditional, having developed from ancient body painting designs. Many hours of careful sewing are required to create a fine mola.
