by Susan Mcdaniel

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 19, 2009

Friends that cruised the entire Caribbean cited the San Blas Islands, home to the Kuna Indians, as their favorite destination. They raved about their experiences there. Apparently, the endearing friendliness of these people and the enduring simplicity of their culture enchant even worldly travelers. Add the Kuna's clever ability to exist and thrive as an independent social, economic, and political entity and you have an entirely unique and interesting population.

The social fabric of the Kuna culture remains unchanged from the time of Christopher Columbus. The Kunas still adhere to standards of a tightly-knit, matriarchal tribal society. Women retain control of money, finance, and inheritances. When married, a woman's new husband joins his wife's family and works for their benefit, bringing additional income to the family. Female children, therefore, are highly prized for their ability to add to the family fortunes.

As ranking members of the society, the Kuna women dress the part. They customarily sport gold nose and ear rings, brightly colored beaded arm and leg bands, a red or orange scarf known as a "muswe," long strings of small colored pearls twined about their arms called "uinnis," and of course, the exorbitantly colored blouses known as "molas."

Kuna molas are coveted the world over for their artistic value, but in Kuna society they are part of the national dress. Each mola is an intricate work of textile art, personal to the artist's own experience. Molas are commonly referred to as "reverse applique." Each one is made by layering three to five layers of different colors of fabric. Designs are then cut from the various layers to reveal the color below and the cut edges are then intricately hemmed. The color of the fabric on the bottom outlines the design and is the only layer not cut.

Generally only women sew molas, although some natives with gender-identity issues have emerged as some of the best mola artisans. Albino men are also allowed to sew molas in order to protect them from the sun exposure normal male duties require. Additional divisions of labor within Kuna society are rather traditional. Men fish and cultivate crops while the women cook and clean and do laundry.

Economically, the Kuna Indians are quite savvy and possess a remarkable business sense. You notice this first as they ply their wares from their dugout boats known as "ulus." You want lobster for dinner? Place your order and it will be delivered.

Behind the scenes, the Kuna use available

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