Mola” Culture Molas are made from applique and reversed applique patterns combined with very fine stitching. The designs originated from body paintings, but when the missionaries arrived in Central America, they persuaded the Kuna to cover-up their bodies with clothing. The Kuna cleverly transformed the beautiful body paintings into hand-stitched clothing or Molas. The traditional Molas mostly depict animals, fish, birds, plants and wildlife, but Mola artistry can also portray historical, political and other narratives including influences from modern day western life.