Geometric Mola

This is a simulated mola constructed on the computer. It is based on an actual mola.

This mola is one of many molas based on pure geometry. I have never seen such a design at the beginning stage while visiting the Kunas. I do not know how they can be so precise in some of their geometric

designs. Before computers I had to have drafting equipment to do a design like this. The many colors of this design create the interest. This is a mola made of three layers, red top layer, orange middle layer and a black foundation.


Step 1. First, the middle orange layer was placed over the black foundation. All of the diamonds, chevrons and triangles were cut and stitched through allowing the shapes to be revealed in black.	Step 2. In mola making large pieces are never removed without being replaced with matching shaped pieces. The addition of inlaid appliqués enhances this mola. These also have the intriguing sawtooth edges, so tedious to do.

Sep 3. A red layer was placed over the mola and carefully cut and stitched so that each appliqué also has a top appliqué of red. Although the underneath detail was covered up the maker could find where to cut by feeling through the red layer and running a fingernail along the hidden underneath edges and with occasional peeking.	Step 4. The last step was the usual filling in of the remaining unworked spaces, the inside of the diamonds with vertical slits and triangles with tiny cut outs.

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