Kuna people

The Kuna people are indigenous from Panama and Colombia.

The Kuna women dress themselves with a traditional outfit called Mola, that means "shirt" or "clothing".

The Mola originated with the tradition of Kuna women painting their bodies with geometric designs, using available natural colors; in later years these same designs were woven in cotton, and later still, sewn using cloth bought from the European settlers of Panama.

The first Mola were painted directly on the fabric, and later made by reverse application, a sort of handmade applique.

Mola is so important for Kuna people and represent their identity against an attempt of "westernization" made by Panamanian government.

Their traditions, costumes, what they really are are all representated in their clothes, patterns, in their Mola.