Do you know what a Mola is? We didn’t. While scouring one of our favorite antique centers recently, we came across a beautiful ottoman covered in an amazing hand-appliqued mola. The ticket said the textile was made by the Kuna Indians. We hightailed it home to our computers to find out more about this colorful tradition. It turns out the Kuna Indians live on San Blas Island off the coast of Panama and that some of the oldest molas are between 150 and 170 years old. Many of the graphics originated in body painting, but after the colonization by the Spanish, the Kuna began to transfer their mostly geometric designs on to fabric. In the past 50 years, they’ve started to depict flowers, sea animals, and birds as well. The ottoman (second image, below), with a depiction of a rooster, is believed to be from the 1960′s.

Above, a few examples of molas. The number of layers of a mola will usually dictate price: two-layer molas are common, and those with four or more layers are more expensive. The quality of the stitching is also a factor, with the stitching on the best molas being close to invisible. They can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to make, depending on the complexity of the design.

The asking price for this mola-covered ottoman was $550. We’d love to use it as a focal point in a colorful living room, or even in a little girl’s bedroom, or playroom. The pink of this textile is so unique!

Molas are also used as appliques on blouses and other clothing pieces. This one (below) is a very traditional children’s garment. The mix of the floral pattern, bright blue grosgrain, and colorful applique is surprisingly fashion forward. Just look at designer Anna Sui’s Spring/Summer (below left) collection inspired by similar Central and Latin American folk art. – S & L