The Museo de la Mola, through its collection, offers a tour of the elaboration techniques, designs and worldview of these colorful and significant textile pieces
By: Esther M. Arjona
The Museo de la Mola (MuMo), a project promoted by the Alberto Motta Foundation, with the support of the Llopis Foundation and the private art collector, David de Castro, was created with the aim of having a space to appreciate La Mola as a piece of art. Its objective is that through the exhibition of the collections of its promoters, visitors can appreciate and value the particular characteristics of the mola as a work of cultural art.
The mola, a traditional textile piece, colorful and handmade by the women of the Guna people of Panama and Colombia, consists of cotton panels created with the technique of "Reverse Appliqué", in which several layers of colored fabric are superimposed, cut and sewn to reveal complex designs that narrate their worldview and nature.
This textile piece is a fundamental part of the clothing of the Guna women, who wear two of them on their blouse; one in front and one in the back. The initial intention was to protect those who wear them, but over time designs with molas have become sought-after fashion items. However, they have not lost their significance.
The Museo de la Mola, located in Panama's Old Town, displays some 200 molas from three collections, in five exhibits that highlight their technique and evolution, their meaning and worldview, as well as the narratives behind their designs inspired by geometric elements, labyrinths, animals, plants, and Guna mythology. In addition to a tour of its exhibits, the museum offers the public a series of educational and recreational activities both at its headquarters and in different parts of Panama City.
The institution has the support of the five Guna congresses of Panama: Guna Yala General Congress, Guna General Congress of Madungandi, Guna General Congress of Wargandi, Guna General Congress of Tagarkunyal and General Congress of Guna Culture.
Photos: Museo de la Mola