Mola is the Cuna Indian word for an intricate reverse-applique needlework technique unique to this unusual? isolated tribe inhabiting the San Blas islands off the Atlantic coast of Panama. Mola motifs and methods recall the body-painting practiced by the Cuna in past centuries; today Cuna women's blouses display the colorful patchwork designs rendered here in black and white from the original pieces. The 45 folk-style designs signify themes ancient and modern: pre-Christian crosses? mermaids? dancers? animals? birds? butterflies? fish and flowers? abstracts? and repeating mazes. The introduction includes photographs of the Cuna; captions identify the motifs and give Cuna names. Designers and needleworkers will find these royalty-free designs a source of inspiration? and colorists will enjoy adding their own sense of color and tone to the illustrations.Paperback | 48 pages206 x 272 x 8mm | 539.77g30164Dover Publications Inc.New York? United StatesEnglish