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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Mola
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Mola

Artist/Maker (Guna, dates unknown)
Dateca. 2013
Mediumdyed cotton and thread
DimensionsOverall: 10 3/4 × 15 3/4 in. (27.3 × 40 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
    Object number2013.4.13
    DescriptionThis set of matching molas depicts a pair of crabs. Traditionally, molas were made in pairs with each design panel fit into either side of a blouse. Double panels represent the importance of duality and act as complements to one another. The multitude of colors and details reflect the intricacy of craftsmanship. Inspiration for this design may have come from the numerous crabs that inhabit the islands of Guna Yala. Crabs are significant to Guna culture because fishing is one of the major staples of the economy. It is also said that many Guna people were born under the sign of Cancer. The design may also be seen as a pair of double eagles, which is a common symbol of heraldry. The duality of the herald figure represents the union of church and state, and is most commonly associated with the Byzantine Empire. The symbol probably made its way to Panamá through European influence, especially during the period when France attempted to construct the first trans-isthmian canal.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Eladia Herman
    ca. 2013
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Amaris Velásquez
    ca. 2013
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Plate
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 700-850
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bowl
    early 18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    late 1940s-mid 1950s
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    late 1940s-mid 1950s
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Cloth Fragment
    Chincha
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
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