vintage 3 parrots on branch mola applique embroidery

Molas are a hand sewn, layered reverse-applique needlework technique traditional to the Kuna people of Panama. These were made for the tourist trade in the 1970s, are completely hand-stitched and in excellent condition. The fabric is a lightweight cotton much like muslin. Both birds and leaves are embellished with buttonhole stitches and very fine chain stitches worked in floss. There are two very small, faint stains on the bird at the left which should completely disappear with a second overnight soak. The size is 12″ by 17-1/2″, perfect for a pillow or framed as a grouping.