Tempera painting project: Molas

Examples of Molas

• The Kuna culture (also known as Cuna and Guna) is from Panama, in Central America and Colombia in South America.

• The Mola tradition began as geometric designs painted on their bodies.

• Then Molas became used as clothing once the Europeans settled in Panama and the Kuna people had access to store bought goods.

• Molas are created with many layers of fabric.

• They are sewn together with very small stitches (which are usually the same color as the fabric). Let’s watch a video to see how it’s done.

Geometric Symmetrical Animals

Flowers Religion Abstract

• Designs can be:

Realistic vs. AbstractRealistic

Definition: representing familiar things in a way that is accurate or true to life.

• Example: rabbit

AbstractDefinition: a departure from reality, not real, imaginary, simplified.

• Example: rabbit

Now it’s your turn…

• Design your own Mola!• Your design must consist of at least 1 of the following:– Geometric shapes/patterns– Flowers– Animals– Symmetrical pattern/balance– Abstract scenes• Your design must fill the whole page.• Your design is painted (colored) with bright colors.

More examples here