Mola Cloth

A mola panel with a design of zoomorphic shapes that encases a few human figures. Mola cloths are made by the Cuna Indians of Panama. They are small cotton appliques that are used as frontpieces for blouses. The colored cotton squares are superimposed, cut and sewn down. Originally having few colors and simple abstracted design, since being discovered they have become more intricate, using many colors and complex designs.