Blouse Panel
| Type: | Clothing - Garment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Blouse Panel |
| Local Name: | mola |
| Place Made: | North America: Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands |
| People: | Kuna |
| Period: | Mid 20th century |
| Date: | 1960 - 1970 |
| Dimensions: | L 40 cm x W 46 cm |
| Materials: | Cotton |
| Techniques: | Appliquéd; reverse appliquéd; embroidered |
| ID Number: | T2005.19.17 |
| Credit: | Gift of D. James Newland from the collection of Sheilagh P. Ryan |
Mola means “blouse” in the Kuna language. Molas are hand-sewn using a reverse-appliqué technique and used as decorative blouse panels. The designs are created by cutting through several layers of cloth to expose the various bright colours beneath. Mola imagery is inspired by traditional Kuna symbols and stories, and by imported popular culture through books and advertisements.
