The Kuna people live on the San Blas Islands off the northern coast of Panama. They call their territory "Kuna Yala," the land of the Kuna. Their magnificent textiles called molas tell stories of guardian shark spirits who protect fishermen, and dangerous shark spirits who inspire fear and respect. The molas are hand sewn in a reverse appliqué technique using several layers of differently colored cotton.
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One Kuna legend tells the story of Uncle Shark—a sacred, but evil, spirit who can cause great harm as he travels the sea in his silver boat. Calling him "Uncle" reminds the  Kuna people of their belief in the close connection between the natural and spiritual worlds.
(Mola artist Venancio
Restrepo, 2003)
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Kuna stories tell of a mythological spirit called Manta Ray Man. A violent drunk, he often started fights, flailing and flapping his arms like a great ray flaps its wings. Today, when Kuna fishermen see a manta ray jump from the sea and slap its body against the water, they're reminded of Manta Ray Man—an ancient symbol of hostility.
(Mola artist Venancio Restrepo, 2003)
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The Kuna people greatly revere sawfish, named for their sawlike snouts. According to Kuna legends, sawfish patrol the coast, protecting fishermen from sharks and other dangerous animals. Some stories even tell how sawfish rescue drowning fishermen.
(Mola artist Venancio Restrepo, 2003)
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