Kuna Paper Mola

Submitted by: Larry Prescott, Madison Middle School in Rexburg, Idaho.
Unit: Design - Kuna Culture
Lesson: Paper Mola - layering
Grade level: 6 through 8
See Elementary lesson by Virginia Lukefahr - Reverse appliqué technique
See lots of Molas | Grace Hall - Bogalusa High School

The initial lesson calls for kids to select 8 to 10 sheets  (9 x 12" / 23 x 30.5 cm) of different colored Construction Paper. Larry used 4 to 5 different colors of 12" x 18" (30.5 x 46 cm) paper. Students staple these papers in a stack by stapling only the top 2 corners. The choice of color selection and order are discussed using the information presented in the slide show.

An initial design is worked out on Newsprint. He stresses the idea that just like their language arts teacher requires a rough draft. Art requires a "rough draft" for many of the projects they do in art. Balance is important in the design as well as repetition and pattern.

Students use X-acto Knives to cut the first layer of paper. Demonstrate safe cutting procedures. To help them only cut the first layer and not subsequent layers at this time, a cutting mat is provided that could be slid under the top layer of paper as they cut. The mat could then be slid under the second layer when that layer is cut, etc. Many students became adept at only carving one layer at a time and did not use a cutting mat.

When complete the paper layers were glued together using small drops of White Glue and the staples removed. See more examples on Larry's site. (Archive)

The mola lesson at right came from "Cut Paper Molas," Shirley Laird, Arts and Activities, October, 1994.

Larry uses a Power point for this lesson that he has developed using examples of traditional Kuna Molas. He has selected examples that are a bit more abstract in design than many of the mass produced molas of today (See Internet resources above for examples) He has also included some of the more touristy molas for discussion purposes. The idea of pattern and repetition is stressed during the slide show.

Submitted By: Lin Altman, Cedar Creek Elementary
Unit: Design - Collage - Kuna culture
Lesson Plan: Paper Mola
Grade Level: 2nd and 3rd Grade

1. Present culture of Kuna Indians

2. Demonstrate cutting and layering process

3. Review color planning

4. Students cut large animal shape from 9 x 12 (23 x 30.5 cm) Construction Paper - glue to another sheet and cut out larger all around if desired.

5. Add layered details to cut out animal (bird, insect, etc)

6. Glue to larger black paper (or choice of contrasting color)

7. Add shapes from the environment in negative space (trees, flowers, grass, etc).

8. Fill negative space with dashes of color reminiscent of the Fabric molas.

Books

Molas: Folk Art of the Cuna Indians - You will want to buy this book used because the price for a new one is quite expensive. This book explores the wonderful folk art of the Cunan Indian women. Vividly colored panels are used to adorn blouses and are made from pieces of multicolored material cut and sewn into narrative and fantasy scenes. 250 illustrations.

Magnificent Molas: The Art of the Kuna Indians - The lavish images in this book reveal the setting, lifestyle, gestures and beauty of the Kuna women practicing their art.