Mola workhshops

Hi folks-
I'm looking for cultural centers, workshops, women from Kuna Yala who are willing to share, teach, show me methods of cutting and sewing a mola. I'm interested in the stories, the myths, and very interested in the designs and techniques. I'll be in Panama for 3-4 weeks in late March-early April to learn as much as I can. Any ideas?

There is a shop on Via Veneto next and above the Budget rent a car in Panama City called Flory Saltzman. Three generations of women that have been buying Molas from the Kuna. This may be a place for you to gather info other than traveling to the San Blas islands.

My family and I visited Panama about a year ago, including several days in the San Blas Islands, where we bought several molas. It seemed to us that there are no "mola workshops" but that molas are hand-made in the an Blas Islands by kuna families in their individual homes. We saw several shops in Panama City selling molas bought from San Blas Kunas. For a description and photos of our stay in Panama (including San Blas) see the "Panama" section of Our Travel Journals: http://www.evcal.org .

I think your best opportunity would be at the Mercado Nacional de Artesanía, located next to the ruins of Panamá Viejo. In this building there are artesan shops of all sorts. Be sure to go upstairs, which is where you are more likely to find women working on molas and other crafts. (Many people probably miss the stairway and don't go up there, where it is less crowded and commercial. As you enter the building from the front, go to the right all the way the end, and look for the stairs.)

I found the women to be very friendly and willing to explain their work (in Spanish). Of course, it helps if you buy something from them too!

The best way to learn mola-making and its history, etc., is to go to San Blas, stay at a village for an extended time, and connect with the local mola-making coop. Show that you're willing to spend more than just a couple of days learning about molas, and the women will take you seriously and take the time to show you more about the craft. Kuna women work incredibly hard and spend a long time making just one mola (a decent-sized mola can take WEEKS to make), so if they are going to take time away to show you how to do the craft, be sure you make it worth their while.

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I have quite a bit of time in Panama and I'll be spending it learning basic mola sewing techniques.

I would be interested in hearing about your experience, so I hope you'll post something when you come back.