In Panama City there is a museum dedicated exclusively to a fabric with designs that is inspired by nature called Mola and made by the people of Guna Yala. A piece of textile art that is an integral part of the culture of this indigenous group that lives mostly in Panama, although there are small groups that live in Colombia.
An Exhibition That Shows the Evolution of la Mola
Molas are part of what Guna women wear and fundamental to their culture. In MuMo (as the museum is commonly called) there is a complete exhibition of molas, from ancient to modern times, complemented by a descriptive text that takes the Visitor on a journey through the Guna culture.
The Museum exhibits more than 200 Molas and has five rooms, where Visitors can learn about the evolution, elaboration, and meaning behind their designs.
• Technique and Evolution of the Mola
• Worldview and Protection
• Environment
• Mola Layers
• Narrative Molas or Story Molas
The Starting Point of an Idea that Became a Museum
The idea for the creation of MuMo arose in 2017 when Mr. Stanley Motta, during a visit to the Textile Museum of Oaxaca, Mexico, remembered the collection of molas of the businessman and philanthropist Jose Felix Llopis, a great friend of his father Don Alberto Motta.
Upon returning to Panama, he established contact with Patricia Llopis, Mr. Llopis niece, who upon knowing the interest in opening a museum in honor of the mola, made her uncle’s entire collection available. To complete the exhibition, the molas of the Panamanian art collector David De Castro were added to the exhibition.
Temporary Exhibitions
This exhibition recounts one of the most significant historical moments for the Gunas and the country: The Dule Revolution of 1925.
An uprising of indigenous Gunas, remembered as a totally unjustified massacre instigated by a half-mad adventurer. However, for the Gunas, it represented a key event that pointed out the dangers and threats of the Western world and the need to resist its influence. The exhibition shows what really happened, its causes and background. Fortunately, the rebellion ended with an agreement that still exists between the Government and the Guna Yala people.
Workshops
MuMo carries out interactive workshops with different purposes where you can live the Museum’s experience. These workshops are highly educational and encourage creativity and are aimed to different age ranges depending on the type of activity. Workshops are held at the museum, as well as outside the museum at schools or special events. For more information about the workshops you can contact them by email: info@museodelamola.org
