Vintage Kuna Mola Textile, Panama, Geometric Spiral Design, Framed Folk Art

A graphic vintage Mola textile from the Guna (Kuna) people of Panama's San Blas Islands — concentric spiral and U-shaped forms worked in warm oranges, yellows, and greens against a deep red ground. Pure geometric molas like this one are some of the strongest examples of the tradition, reading almost as modernist hard-edge graphic design that just happens to have been hand-stitched in a Panamanian island village. The tightly packed sawtooth borders and rhythmic repetition of forms are the hallmarks of an experienced Guna stitcher.

Molas are made through a labor-intensive reverse-appliqué technique in which multiple layers of cotton cloth are stacked and selectively cut and stitched to reveal the colors beneath. Traditionally worn as the front and back panels of Guna women's blouses, the most accomplished pieces are preserved as heirlooms or sold to collectors. American and European interest in Mola work began in the mid-20th century and has grown steadily; well-framed vintage examples are increasingly difficult to source.

Professionally framed and matted under glass in a clean dark moulding — a crisp contemporary presentation that holds its own next to mid-century art, looks beautiful in a powder room or hallway, and pairs especially well with our other vintage Guna molas (listed separately) for a coordinated textile installation.

Dimensions:
Frame: 22.75" H × 26.25" W × 1.5" D
Artwork (visible image): 15" H × 19.5" W

Ships via FedEx or UPS, fully insured.

See photos for condition and additional detail. Reach out directly with any specific questions, and we'll do our best to reply within 24 hours. Please check out our other listings for amazing estate items.

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