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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
1960's Kuna Mola Guardian Angel Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Kuna women from the San Blas Archipelago produce most of the work, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia.
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Tropical Birds Cotton Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Kuna women from the San Blas Archipelago produce most of the work, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia.
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Tropical Bird Family Applique Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Kuna women from the San Blas Archipelago produce most of the work, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia.
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
Traditionally made by the natives of Panama, the Mola tapestries depict themselves and their lives in nature, faith, and connection to the whole cosmos.
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
1960's Kuna Mola Tapestry with Appliqued Archangels Michael Gabriel & Raphael
Located in New York, NY
Kuna women from the San Blas Archipelago produce most of the work, though some molas are also made by Kuna women from inland Panama and western Colombia.
Category
Mid-20th Century Panamanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Burro by Ethic&Tropic
By Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Corinne first organised an exhibition of Panamanian kuna "molas" in her gallery in Valencia.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Animal Sculptures
Materials
Cane


