Collection of 20th Century Molas from San Blas Islands, Panama comprising eleven reverse appliqué and embroidered cotton decorative panels and a blue tunic with attached molas to the front and back depicting a large winged creature,
others include a figure being crucified and two others on either side watching, on a red cotton ground 49x33cm,
figures and creatures surrounded by leaves and branches 44x37cm,
a large spotted four legged creature to the centre with other figures, sourrounded with leaves 43x38cm,
another with a dragon like creature to the centre covered with plants, surorunded by smaller creatures amd colourful graphic triangle design 43x34cm,
a large seated figure flanked by two small four legged creatures 44x36cm,
another depicting a political figure to the centre holding flag 41x41cm,
two birds in a window along with a figures head to the centre 46x38cm,
a red cross design on an orange cotton ground 36x29cm,
another designed with three crosses and other graphic designs 41x34cm,
a large bird with claws holding onto snake 35x32cm,
a graphic design in yellow, orange and black with floral patterned fabric border 49x39cm,
(12)

John Newall Private Collection

'Molas, a term derived from “Shirt” in the Cuna language, are elaborate reverse-appliqué textiles made by the Cuna people (Guna is now their preferred spelling) who run their own fief on the border between Central and South America'.
The molas were worn from the late 19th century and are rectangular panels attached to the front and back of their blouses, probably at the instigation of local missionaries wishing to discourage their semi-naked bodies.