Molas Can be for Healing . . .

Here is a Cboniganit healing mola that is really lovely, and although the colors are bright, there is a sense of restfulness about them. Notice how the human figure is surrounded by three major creatures, and two lesser creatures, all of which seem to be eating some part of the human figure they are holding. And there are two more creatures as well that have no bodies that they are eating. There is a good deal of balance in this piece. Notice how the larger lower left creature matches in color the smaller creature in the upper right. Likewise, the larger lower right creature matches in color the smaller creature in the upper left. If you look at the piece again, you will notice that the three lower creatures are the largest, and the two next creatures are considerably smaller, and the upper creatures the smallest of all. There also appears to be an opening with each of the creatures, as if it is perhaps a way out. Out of the body? One can imagine that by the time the spirit of this person gets to the top of the piece, whatever is wrong with it has been removed by these creatures. They don't seem to be eating the humans, for whatever they are doing, the humans seem to remain whole.

Very interesting piece, don't you think?

Something Missing Here

The good molas generally have some sort of foundation under them and reverse appliqué is used. There are several layers. But I am finding on many of the smaller molas that are clearly made for the tourist trade, there is no foundation, and the work is just appliquéd on, sometimes with some embroidery stitching, but it definitely is not the same. Here is a good example of one I have. I think if you wanted to make something that was a contemporary piece with the look of a mola, this might be a good way to start. It would be nice on jackets, jeans or other clothing. You can click on the mola to see a larger view.

Victorian Themed Mola

This mola seems to be older than my others, and I am honestly not sure of the age of it, but the fabrics seem older than some of my other ones. The style as well leads me to believe it is older. I think it is interesting that it incorporates themes from Victorian times - the highly stylized vase with stylized flowers and birds in it. I often wonder about the influences that affected these people. I like that it is just the two colors as well. I don't think I will ever tire of molas. You can click on this mola to see a larger view.

My Newest Mola

A friend just sent me this mola and it appears to be perhaps something from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. It is an octopus, but note how instead of eight arms, it seems to have only seven arms, and two of them are somewhat different from the others. The arms are different sizes as well, and different shapes. There is an overall lack of symmetry in the piece, but that makes it more interesting to me. It's not uncommon in molas. The fabrics are somewhat heavier than some of my other molas, and there is a lot more intricate stitching on it, another sign of something older. Some of the fabrics used for the reverse appliqué underneath are prints or unusually pieces, something I have not seen on many molas. I love the almost evil face of this octopus with its eyes that are both different sizes and shapes. Wonderful addition to my collection. You can click on the photo to see a much larger view.