MOLA Art

from the San Blas Islands

Cuna Indians

• The Cuna live on the San Blas Islands, near Panama, in Central America. They have no written language, thus no written history. There is evidence that their culture dates back to the 15th century.

• In physical appearance, the Cuna Indians are generally short, stocky with broad shoulders, and have small hands and feet. They vary in skin color.

Cuna Indians are best known for their beautiful mola designs.

Mola

• is the Cuna Indian word for blouse but the term mola has come to mean the elaborate embroidered panels that make up the front and back of a Cuna woman's blouse.

• Molas consist basically of four pieces of cotton cloth of various colors. Oranges, reds and yellows are popular. Black is often used for its contrast.

The designs come from many sources - some from Cuna culture and others from

mainland culture. The designs include:

• birds

• fish

• animals

• leaves and flowers

• geometric and abstract patterns

Assignment:

Use layers of construction paper to make a Cuna Indian Folk art

mola design

Criteria:

• Good Design and Composition

• Good Craftsmanship (neat cutting and gluing)

• Effective Layering of Colors

Xacto knife Rules:

•Do: Stay seated, be alert & focused; Hold the knife like a pencil; Turn cutting surface not knife

•Don't: Walk, talk or play with knife; Stab with point; Cut anything except project surface.