Columbian Mola and Leather Bag.

A little about Mola:

Molas are made by members of the Kuna Indian culture, who live in parts of a mainland strip in northwestern Colombia and on the islands of San Blas in Panama.

Traditionally, molas are manufactured by Kuna women and no two molas are the same. They embody an entire philosophy and are a well-preserved tradition. Kuna women wear them every single day of their lives and are even buried in them.

Mola designs do not only reflect great natural and artistic wisdom, but also elements of a very original culture.

Molas are made by hand with reverse-applique needlework. Two or more layers of cloth are stitched together so that the design shows through openings in the layers. The design is inspired by shapes and figures from the world that surrounds them.

Donated by Jessica Stern