Early 1900's "Shark", a brilliant colored hand stitched Mola textile. The Mola forms part of the traditional outfit of a Kuna woman, two Mola panels being incorporated as front and back panels in a blouse. Molas have their origin in body painting. Only after colonization by the Spanish and contact with missionaries did the Kuna start to transfer their traditional geometric designs on fabric, first by painting directly on the fabric and later by using the technique of reverse application. It is not known for certain when this technique was first used. It is assumed that the oldest Molas are between 150 and 170 years old. SIZE: see attached ruler photo. Photos are part of the description representing the condition report and can be used for authentication prior to the sale date. Pangaea Auctions urges Bidder's to view all attached photos in detail. #(Central American, 19th-20th Century, Textile, Clothing, Textile, Antique, Vintage, ).

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