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Colorful Molas

The mola is a vibrantly colored embroidered clothing staple of the Guna of Panama. Students will explore their culture and create a traditional mola design.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    The Guna are an indigenous people of Panama and northern Colombia.  Around 62,000 people live along the eastern coast of Panama and on 49 of the 400 islands belonging to the Guna Yala archipelago (also known as the San Blas Islands). Guna Yala is a politically independent territory, and the whole community weighs in on political and legal decisions. And women are in charge. They hold de facto power over communities and are the food distributors, property owners, and decision makers. Have students research the Guna people, their history, and traditions. 

  • Step 2

    One of the most well known aspect of Guna culture is the mola, a vibrantly colored, intricately woven textile handmade using a reverse appliqué process. "Mola" means shirt or clothing in the Guna language. Ask students to look at images of this beautiful textile that is also a symbol of Guna independence. Have them note the colors, patterns, and other images, some of which tell a story or depict a legend, that adorn the clothing.

  • Step 3

    Ask students to create a mola design on paper. Encourage them to use bold, vibrant colors and to use images of traditional molas as inspiration as they create their art. They can also incorporate short detached lines to give the appearance of stitching.

  • Step 4

    Have students present their mola-inspired art and discuss some of the facts they learned about this Indigenous culture.

Standards

ARTS: Analyze how the arts reflect changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses. 

ARTS: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding. 

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture. 

Adaptations

Have students learn about the culture and  artwork of other Indigenous people of Panama, such as the Ngobe-Bugle who are renowned for weaving intricate and stunning baskets and the Emberá who are known for their connection and knowledge of the rainforest and their intricate wood carvings.

Though the Guna are not a true matriarchal society, they are led by women. Have students investigate matriarchal societies such as the Mosuo of China, the Bribri of Costa Rica, and the Umoja of Kenya.