Panamanian Kuna Mola Pillow with Sawtooth Sharks & Fishermen

Our original, high-quality pillows are unique, one-of-a-kind creations using vintage Kuna molas from Panama on the front with new fabric on the back and a high-quality, hidden zipper. They're assembled by our master seamstress in our workshop located in the northeast United States. Stuffing/insert is included. These are great as a stand-alone piece – but make a fun, impactful statement when grouped en masse.

Molas are fun, interesting – and visually enticing. They are hand-made using a reverse appliqué technique with several layers of different-colored cloth being sewn together. The design emerges and is formed as parts of each layer are cut away. Kuna women then sew these appliquéd fabric pieces onto their blouses.

Here, fishermen have hooked a sawtooth shark and others appear elsewhere.

Molas span a wide array of traditional and contemporary themes from motifs derived from cultural legends to the natural world to popular culture and everyday life. These stitched cloth panels are primarily made in the San Blas archipelago which runs along the Caribbean coast of Panama – and are an important women's economic enterprise helping to preserve their cultural and ethnic identity. A mola can take from two weeks to six months to make, depending on the subject matter and design complexity.

Place of Origin: Panama

Date of Manufacture: 1950s–1980s

Condition: Very Good, Vintage mola with new backing and insert.  

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 16" H X 16" in. W X 3 in. D

Reference:

Molas and Other Guna Art, SanBlas-Islands.com

Dressing Up Culture – Molas from Kuna Yala, Hood Museum at Dartmouth College

Fashioning Identity: Mola Textiles of Panamá, The Cleveland Museum of Art