Hello friends of World Travel Art !
We have been living in Nicaragua, Central America, from 1996 to 2005 and made regular trips to Panama. We absolutely fell in love with the country, and especially the molas made by the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands.
Many of these magnificent molas are masterpieces of textile art and made and worn by the Kuna tribe living on coral islands off Panama's Atlantic coast.
The Kuna are known worldwide for their molas - the blouse panels used by women in their traditional dress and sold as crafts. Molas are colorful, intricate, multi layered applique textiles.
They are beautiful framed, make wonderful pillow cases and other unique home decor.
Good quality molas have the following characteristics:
Many of these magnificent molas are masterpieces of textile art and made and worn by the Kuna tribe living on coral islands off Panama's Atlantic coast.
The Kuna are known worldwide for their molas - the blouse panels used by women in their traditional dress and sold as crafts. Molas are colorful, intricate, multi layered applique textiles.
They are beautiful framed, make wonderful pillow cases and other unique home decor.
Good quality molas have the following characteristics:
- Stitches closely match the color of the cloth they are set against.
- Stitches are very fine and neatly spaced.
- Stitches are pulled evenly and with enough tension to barley visible.
- Curves are cut smoothly and the sewing follows the curves of the cut.
- Outline strips are uniform in width, with no frayed edges.
The Kuna are a fiercely independent and shrewd businesspeople who maintain their traditions in a changing world. Although they increasingly want to be paid in US dollars (mainly by the tourists) for their goods and services, the islands principal currency remains the coconut. The Kuna grow coconut like crazy. Most of them are bartered away to Colombians who make the rounds of Kuna towns in old wooden schooners. In return for the fruit, the Colombians give the Kuna clothing, rice, canned milk and other goods. The coconuts are used in Colombia for the production of candy, cookies and other products.
During our years in Central America, we were able to visit the San Blas islands and Kuna Indians on several occasions. With the support of tourism and other sales outlets, the Kuna will be able to maintain the art of making these magnificent textiles and their traditions. We are very pleased to be able to offer a great variety of molas through our online store at www.worldtravelart.com.
Thank you and until next time.
World Travel Art Team
During our years in Central America, we were able to visit the San Blas islands and Kuna Indians on several occasions. With the support of tourism and other sales outlets, the Kuna will be able to maintain the art of making these magnificent textiles and their traditions. We are very pleased to be able to offer a great variety of molas through our online store at www.worldtravelart.com.
Thank you and until next time.
World Travel Art Team
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