Molas are reverse applique fabric art that is hand sewn by the Kuna indians or native people that live in the San Blas Islands of Panama.

Native women have worn many of the designs for generations until relatively recently, in the 1950's when missionaries and Panama canal workers visiting the area began bringing them back to the United States as souvenirs.

From that time the Kuna women recognized the economic value of their art and it has grown to be the single largest source of income for the tribe as a whole.

Molas are sewn on and traded on almost every one of the inhabited islands in their territory which is called the Kuna Yala.

Due to demand from tourists the Kunas have begun to sew whimsical patterns of western icons so it is possible to see a thousand year old pattern for sale next to one bearing the Coca Cola logo.

Molas are for sale in all of the towns frequented by tourists including Nargana and Rio Sidra.

For those not wishing to travel to the remote San Blas Islands they are available in specialty shops and on Amazon and Ebay.

Molas are a good investment and complex patterns and intricate sewing with many layers of fabric can fetch a hefty price. They can be displayed framed or loose. Most can be washed with delicate fabrics.