Kuna Indians Fish, Bird, and Snake Panama Mola Textile

This is a gorgeous mola textile from the San Blas Islands of Panama. It is very well done, very fine evenly spaced hand stitching. It has wonderful birds, fish and snake motifs in 9 bright vibrant colors. The back layer is black, the top layer is red and in-between are appliques of purple, blue, yellow, green, pink, gold, orange, and black. This magnificent piece measures approx. 23 inches by 16.5 inches. It is in very good condition for what it is. These pieces are usually one of two. The are the front and back panel of a Panama person's blouse. So there was probably a matching one somewhere. You will be able to see the stitches around the border where it was once a garment decoration. This textile is in wonderful condition, no tears, no loose threads and very little fading of the colors. These unique handmade quilted textiles make wonderful wall decors when the are framed. I do not know the age, it is an auction piece. I smell no smoke on the piece.