From Eden to Eternity
From Eden to Eternity: Embroidered Biblical Stories
Limited Exhibit: August 9, 2022 - December 17, 2022
In fall 2022, the Billy Graham Museum presented From Eden to Eternity: Embroidered Biblical Stories, a limited exhibit featuring handcrafted molas from the Guna natives of the San Blas Archipelago off the coast of Panama. On loan from the private collection of Sandra and Bob Bowden, these molas depict unique interpretations of biblical stories through traditional Guna embroidery and passionate love of color.
Molas are the signature textile craft of the Guna people, who reside in the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of more than 300 islands on the northern coast of Panama. Developed to provide elaborate front and back panels for the traditional blouse worn by the women, the technique involves a process of reverse applique which combines layers of brightly colored fabrics stitched together and then cut into intricate patterns, exposing colors from underlying layers. The top layer is typically treated with both direct applique and embroidery to create an even richer surface. Animals and marine life are common motifs for molas, as are geometric and mythological patterns. The collection in this exhibition features delightful interpretations of Biblical stories and motifs.
