Molas, the distinctive blouses made and worn by Kuna women in Panama, are collected by thousands of enthusiasts as well as by anthropological museums all over the world. They are recognized everywhere as an identifier of the Kuna people and also of Panama. This book, based on original research, explores the origin of the mola in the early twentieth century, how it became part of the everyday dress of Kuna women, and its role in creating Kuna identity. Images drawn from more than twenty museums as well as private collections show the development of designs and techniques and highlight changes in the garment as an item of indigenous fashion. Applying an interdisciplinary approach—fusing historical, ethnographic, and material culture studies—author Diana Marks contributes to ongoing debates on cultural authenticity, the invention of traditions, and issues of gender and politics.

The Cuna Indians live off the coast of Panama and make beautiful Molas.

Molas are brilliantly colored panels of appliqued fabric. Here is the only how-to book on this famous and widely collected folk art. Readers explore the rich tradition started by Panama's Kuna Indians and learn step-by-step how to create their own original molas. More than 25 projects with a contemporary slant. 90 color photos.

Black-and-white designs based on reverse appliqué mola patterns worked by Cuna Indian women in Panama.

The mola is a multilayered textile art form and metaphor for the story of the Kuna, indigenous people of Panama. With over 890 images covering more than a century of molas, this book provides insights into design sources and influences for molas, perspectives on the aesthetic practices of women creating them, and hints for collecting and preserving this colorful textile art form. The hand-appliqud art panels tell the tale of the Kuna women and are symbolic of their artistry, observation, and beliefs. Their lush tropical paradise, cultural cosmology, sense of humor, and exposure to foreign elements are represented in these fascinating fabric designs. A brief history of Panama and its rich tradition of indigenous arts place the mola in context.

Indiansk applikationssyning fra Panama

Royal Mint site excavation report published as 3 separate volumes, the other 2 being: The abbey of St. Mary Graces, East Smithfield, London; The Royal Navy victualling yard, East Smithfield, London.

M is for Mola, A Kuna Indian Alphabet of Quilted Folk Art is a unique alphabet book, illustrated with charming and amusing examples of museum quality folk art. Rich in detail, the brightly colored illustrations motivate young readers to hone their skills in visual discrimination. Looking at the art will spark curiosity and stimulate conversation. The titles on each page are translated into nine languages, adding to this rich cultural experience.

The Mola Lisa is missing! Someone sneaky has stolen the world's most famous painting. Good thing Q and Ray are on the case! These second-grade critters are Elm Tree Elementary's best crime solvers. Ray loves magic and stinky cheese. Q loves disguises and surprises. But can the super sleuths outwit an art thief?

“A lesson in history, almost. A lesson in anthropology, tradition, and roots, almost. A lesson in the power of poetry to rend and blend reality and imagination until they become indistinguishable from each other, certainly. Who is the clone of whom? Who is the real child and grown-up artist? Dr. Lynn Veach Sadler’s exquisite handling of language tools and penetrating research into the subject matter of this chapbook and her unique way of mixing what we know and what we think we know provide us with a landscape that necessitates only the closing of eyes in order to transport us to this world of blurred colors and blurred consciousness. Along the way, we get an ‘answer’ for what happened to one of the Panama Canal engineers.”—Yossi Faybish, Editor, Aquillrelle Press, Grimbergen, Belgium “In her latest chapbook, Mola ... Person, Lynn Veach Sadler channels the voice of an albino male with the Kuna tribe, this particular division on the San Blas islands off Colombia and Panama. The focused poems together form a pleasant anthropological analysis in poetry and a well-researched diversion from the more common poetry themes being explored by contemporary poets. As Publisher of several of her history-researched poems the past few years, I find Mola ... Person to be a compelling expansion of Dr. Sadler’s previous analyses of histories and cultures and a chapbook that will be of interest to those who want a ‘You Are There’ approach to learning about an interesting and lesser-known native culture.”—David Messineo, Publisher/Poetry Editor, Sensations Magazine standard definition of mola: "A colorful fabric panel of Central American origin, sewn with a reverse-appliqué technique and used for decorative purposes, as on clothing or furniture or as a wall hanging."