Panamanian Embroidery Art on Display in Chongqing

An exhibition of the traditional embroidery art of the Kuna people of Panama has attracted large numbers of visitors in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality since its opening on April 18.

“The Stories of Threads and Pieces: the Mola Art of Panama” is a two-week exhibition of 40 pieces of mola embroidery, showcasing a combination of Kuna culture and superb craftsmanship.

“Mola” means “clothing” in the language of the Kuna people. A mola generally consists of two to seven layers of colorful cloth with diverse patterns that depict natural tropical scenery and daily life in the Central American country.

“On June 13 this year, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Panama and China. As part of the celebration, we are pleased to present the exhibition to the people of Chongqing,” Leonardo Kam, Panama’s ambassador to China, said in an online speech at the exhibition’s opening ceremony.

The ambassador noted the importance of promoting cultural exchanges between Panama and China, saying that a strong and lasting relationship must be based on mutual understanding.

“Sharing the knowledge of our respective cultures can bring us closer, strengthen relations, enhance friendship, and have a positive impact on the future,” he said.

“Chongqing and Panama have a good foundation for cooperation and broad development prospects,” Zhou Yi, deputy director of the foreign affairs office of the Chongqing municipal government, said on the same occasion.

“The art exhibition and similar events will further enhance our friendship, and promote practical cooperation in various fields to a higher level,” Zhou said.