Flower, Birds, and Profile Animal Mola Panel by Unknown Artist - 1900s - 34.3 x 43.2 cm Cleveland Museum of Art Flower, Birds, and Profile Animal Mola Panel by Unknown Artist - 1900s - 34.3 x 43.2 cm Cleveland Museum of Art

Flower, Birds, and Profile Animal Mola Panel

Cotton; reverse appliqué, appliqué, embroidery • 34.3 x 43.2 cm
  • Unknown Artist Unknown Artist 1900s

This whimsical, well-made panel was created by a female artist of the Guna, an Indigenous people of the Republic of Panamá. It was one of two identical or similar panels that were stitched into the front or back of a blouse (mola). Such blouses are so distinctive to the Guna that they are the single most recognizable element of Guna cultural identity.

Beautiful, isn't it? We present today's work thanks to Cleveland Museum of Art.