New to Hattie & Nan’s: Hand-Woven History from Panama

Hattie & Nan’s Antiques & Rare Books just added a rare trio of framed Molas—vibrant hand-stitched textiles crafted by the Indigenous Guna (or Kuna) people of Panama and Colombia. These striking pieces of art are more than beautiful; they're layered with meaning, history, and cultural resilience.

Traditionally sewn into the front and back panels of women’s blouses, molas are made using a reverse appliqué technique; cutting, layering, and stitching colorful cottons into geometric and symbolic designs. Each one tells a story, ranging from natural imagery to political commentary. As textile scholar Alicia Lubowski-Jahn puts it, “Every mola is a word,” part of a visual language that speaks across generations.

For the Guna people, molas are a cornerstone of identity. Their designs are more than decoration; they’re rooted in myth, memory, and resistance, especially as Guna women continue to create and sell these works to preserve both their economy and culture.

You don’t need to travel to the San Blas Islands to experience this heritage. Stop by Hattie & Nan’s Antiques & Rare Books in the Historic Central City District and see these one-of-a-kind framed molas for yourself. Whether you're a textile lover, history buff, or just looking to add some authentic global artistry to your home, this is your chance to own a piece of living tradition.