Molas

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Molas were developed when the Kuna woman were able to acquire store-bought yard goods in the mid 18000s when they met European traders. This offered them the opportunity
to express themselves through complex desighs. They are carefully hand stitched; however, some of the women are now using sewing machines. They sew these on these on their dresses as part of their custom wear. They also stitch molas onto pillows, t-shirts, billfolds, purses, ties, and many other things to sell to tourists on the islands and in Panamà. The Kuna live on about twenty dollars a month, so the women sell these molas for extra money.