This extraordinary mola portrays our dedicated home-maker hen with her high heeled shoes, making her purchases in deep conversation with Mr. Duck who is the grocery store attendant. The diligent hen has her basket and is buying some corn "maiz" (see close-up below). She is wearing her beautifully embroidered scarf. In the background are the store shelves stocked with goodies.

The mola, hand sewn using the reverse applique technique that is typical of Kuna indian's molas, has very intricate details. The main design is outlined by the "saw-tooth" or dientes stitch in different colors that combine with the colors used in the design itself. The embroidery details are absolutely extraordinary. The feathers are done in one type of stitch, her scarf has"x"'s with a small circles pattern, the counter and the basket still another stitch.

The background is filled with tiny little "v"triangles in a spectrum of different colors. The mola is sewn by hand. The source of the design is undetermined but may have been copied from an illustration in a child's storybook.

These molas were once the front and back panels of a Kuna indian woman's blouse. The molas are about 15 years old and represents many hours of work.

Size: 16-1/2"x 12-1/2"

Colors: Top Layer: Maroon, Middle Layer: Black, Bottom Layer: Green

Mola Maker = Norma of Ustupu