Molas - a traditional Kuna craft

Molas are brightly colored appliquéd handicrafts made by the Kuna people of San Blas Islands in Panama.  The women work the pieces by hand, meticulously cutting and sewing small bits of fabric layered upon each other.

Traditionally, the women make two identical pieces and use them for the front and back of their shirts – with a different brightly colored fabric used for the neck and sleeves of the shirt.

Molas are sold in craft shops throughout Panama, but are very abundant in the San Blas Islands off the north coast of Panama.