Here is a PowerPoint presentation I made for elementary students to introduce them to the molas made by the Kuna Indians of Panama.

1. Molas from
Panama

2. Molas from Panama are
made of brightly colored
fabric.

3. The word “Mola” means
clothing.

4. They are made by the Kuna Indians
who live in the country of Panama.

5. They feature bright colors and
pictures of animals and plants.

6. The Molas of Panama, made with
cloth
and thread, take days, weeks, or
even months to make depending
on the details of the design.

7. Molas are filled with color, line
and pattern.

8. Here are molas for sale in a
market
in Panama.

9. Molas made a long time ago
used geometric patterns.
These designs came from the
Maya people.

11. Whole families work on
making and selling molas.

12. Molas originated as body painting but
then became part of clothing.

13. Today, the
Kuna Indians
live in both
cities and rural
villages.

16. Panama is part
of Central
America.