Mola (blouse panel), cotton, maker unknown, San Blas Islands, Panama, 1960-1990
This is an example of a decorative handmade mola panel from the San Blas Islands in Panama, typically worn by Kuna women. Molas are made using the reverse appliqué technique and adorned the front and backs of women's blouses. This particular mola features brightly coloured motifs of interconnected cut-away birds. Other motifs used include fish, birds, turtles, dolphins, elephants and geometric shapes.
The mola forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and handiwork assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection including Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, The Ivory Coast, Turkey and Yemen. Helen was very selective in the objects she acquired and the inspiration for her collection originated from her desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered.
This mola panel was made in the San Blas Islands, Panama, between 1960-1990.
This mola was produced using reverse appliqué - a technique which involves placing two or more layers of fabric on top of each other in different colours and then cutting the top layer away to reveal the colours underneath. The edges of the cut fabric are turned under and stitched to create different patterns.