Mola: The traditional textile art of Guna women

Molas are hand-made, embroidered pieces of fabric that reflect the life stories of indigenous Guna people and their culture. 

Many residents of Guna Yala live on crowded islands off the Caribbean coast. Despite limited resources, Guna women sometimes work for months on the intricate stitching work.

Many molas are created with geometric patterns. Guna people believe the mola will protect them because evil spirits will get lost in the designs.

Schools do not teach the traditional craft. Most girls learn at the elbows of their elders, in the home.

The Mola Museum in Panama City aims to educate the public about mola art. There, visitors learn about how the appliquéd cloth is embroidered and worn, and the symbolism connected to each piece.

While there is some opportunity to sell molas to visitors on the islands, most mola art is transported to Panama City, where tourists are charged $20 to $50 per piece.

The ability within the Guna community to create mola art decreases with every generation. But there are still numerous Guna women who continue creating and teaching this ancient art.