Mola is a type of art that originated in the country of Panamá, specifically in San Blas, Panamá. The multi-color and patterned art was to be founded between 150 to 170 years old and till this day, still has a cultural significance to the people in Panamá and the people who are panamanian that live in New York. Mola derives from the indigenous Panamanians known as Kuna and also developed from the early traditions of body painting but when the Spanish arrived, they were able to use fabrics as another way to express themselves. What people might not know is that Mola is designed by hand which makes it more important because the Kuna people put their blood, sweat, and tears into the art. The cloth has a black background to make the variety of colors pop. Behind each piece of art, has a different meaning, i.e protection or identity. Mola is important to me and my culture because it gives me something to be grateful for when I think about Panamá and how it helped shape the culture in Panamá. When I go to my uncle's house, he has a variety of Mola clothes and designs that all show different designs like colorful birds, or flowers, and even lines. 

– Ailani Aguirre

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