Molas and Bracelets

The traditional Kuna woman dresses in bright colors – she has bracelets and leg decorations (that look like colorful stockings) made of beads in vibrant, primary colors. The skirt is a dark background fabric with a bright yellow, orange or green print. The blouses are the traditional molas (a fabric tapestry design made by intricate stitching and cutting of multiple fabric layers) attached to sheer bright colored fabric sleeves. Many Kuna Indian women also wear a red and yellow head scarf, a gold nose ring and a black straight line painted down the bridge of their nose. They make molas of varying quality. One of the fun events of cruising in Kuna Yala is having the ulus (canoes) come to your boat with a mola maker and have them show you their works of art. They hope you will buy one or many of these traditional fabric art pieces. Lorna and Dave's visit (unlike our previous guests) have been able to see many different mola makers – from the well-known masters Lisa and Venancio to some of the less known local islanders. It's hard to resist them as they are quite beautiful.

We are currently exploring the Naguargandup Cays – a long row of many islands with beautiful sand beaches and many palm trees and numerous reefs. We started on the Western end in Salardup and are currently at the eastern end of the chain in Canbombia. On this island we've met the Saila (chief) and his family. In fact, Carmelina, his wife, has made both Lorna and Barbara lovely ankle bracelets of the colorful beads. The Saila has given us permission to walk around the island (without charging Kuna fees).

Michael and Dave have done lots of snorkeling and hunting and all of us have done some reef exploration. The bugs unfortunately have seem to made a meal of Dave – but he's being a great sport and not complaining much. Must be all that sweet smelling bakery goods and chocolate he's around all the time! We're having a good time, eating well and even playing a few games. But mostly relaxing and enjoying the islands and the water.

Monday we'll head back to Nargana for their Tuesday morning flight. We'll do a river adventure on Monday up the Rio Diablo. The weather has been magnificent – a steady breeze at night has made sleeping comfortable. We hear it's cold in Ohio – so it's a good time to visit the tropics for Dave and Lorna.

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