'mola'; 6 units, each of 5 rectangles with corners touching to form "X" pattern. "X" motif arranged in horizontal and vertical pattern of 3 motifs across and 2 deep; linear unbroken fill between "Xs" and 'tas-tas' within motif unit. 4-layer and 3-layer applique: basic motif is 4-layers (red ground, black top, yellow 2nd layer, multicolored 'tas-tas' 3rd) and linear fill is 3-layers (red ground, black top, green middle). 17 colors total. worn. 46.5 x 35.5
Donor:
Grace Relfe and University Appropriation
Collection place:
Istupo Island, San Blas Islands, Panama
Culture or time period:
Kuna
Collector:
Grace Relfe
Collection date:
1975
Materials:
Cotton (textile)
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Molas
Function:
2.1 Daily Garb
Context of use:
these applique panels form the front and back of women's and children's shirts; made by Cuna women; old, worn and out-of-style panels are sold to tourists
Department:
Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean area
Dimensions:
width 46.5 centimeters and length 35.5 centimeters