Mola Cloth with Bird and Fish Motif

The Cuna Indians of Panama developed a unique type of applique, the mola cloth. It is done mostly in small rectangles that are used as frontpieces for their blouses.Originally molas were made in two or three colors like this example. One fabric is superimposed on the other and the upper one cut and sewn down. Later versions get more intricate, using more layers and more colors.