Central America, Panama, Kuna culture, ca. mid 20th century CE. A vibrant mola from the Kuna culture of Panama, handmade using a reverse applique technique, the composition featuring four superimposed cats, each feline depicted in profile with perky ears, wide open eyes, and a long tail - delineated with a variety of colorful fabrics that present a virtual rainbow of hues with embroidered details as well. Size (mola): 7.9" W x 25.5" H (20.1 cm x 64.8 cm); (frame): 8.7" W x 26.25" H (22.1 cm x 66.7 cm)
The mola forms part of the traditional costume of a Kuna woman, two mola panels being incorporated as front and back panels in a blouse. In Dulegaya, the Kuna's native language, "mola" means "shirt" or "clothing". The reverse applique technique of the Kuna artisans is impressively labor intensive and creative. Several layers (usually two to seven) of different-coloured cloth (usually cotton) are sewn together; the design is then formed by cutting away parts of each layer. The edges of the layers are then turned under and sewn down. Often, the stitches are nearly invisible. This is achieved by using a thread the same color as the layer being sewn, sewing blind stitches, and sewing tiny stitches. The finest molas have extremely fine stitching, made using tiny needles.
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection acquired 2020; ex-private Florida collection acquired in Panama in early 1960s
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#157963
Condition
Very minor fraying to some areas behind mola, otherwise intact and very good. Nice preservation to colors and feline motifs.