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What do molas symbolize?
1 Answer

What molas symbolize depends on what the images contain. Triangles depict huts of ancestor spirits, while vertical lines represent rays of the sun. Both symbols signify that a person is under the protection of family members who have previously passed away. The zigzagging forms on the textiles are meant to be teeth scaring off evil spirits. On 1stDibs, find a range of Latin American art from some of the world's top galleries.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
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Shop for Panama Molas on 1stDibs
20th Century Red Mola Quilt, Kuna People, San Blas Islands, Panama
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th century Mola quilt, Kuna People, San Blas Islands, Panama
This large quilt is composed of
Category
Vintage 1970s Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Guardian Angel Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia. Developed in the
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Tropical Birds Cotton Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia. Developed in the
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Tropical Bird Family Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1960's Kuna Mola, a traditional multi layered cotton applique tapestry hand sewn by Central
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Toucan Birds in Tropics Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
on cardboard, as found, for framing.
Traditionally made by the natives of Panama, the Mola tapestries
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
Kuna Mola Appliqué Brightly Colored Bird Wall Tapestry, Central America
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large brightly colored fabric appliqué collage tapestry of a bird with fish in its mouth. This dramatic fabric piece features carefully cut geometric pieces of fabric, fashioned an...
Category
20th Century Panamanian Folk Art Tapestries
Materials
Fabric
$520 Sale Price
20% Off