A  Panamanian art show, named "Hilos y Retazos Que Cuentan Historias—Exhibition of Panamanian Mola Art in Chongqing", kicked off in downtown Chongqing recently. Through the exploration of traditional Mola embroidery art of Kuna in Panama, the exhibition aims to tell the stories of the Kuna people. This exploration seeks to demonstrate an amazing cultural collision, and further enhance Chongqing's cultural exchange with the world, promoting friendly cooperation and cultural exchange between Chongqing and Panama.

The Exhibition of Panamanian Mola Art kicked off in Chongqing (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Mola means "clothing" in the Kuna language. Mola, with bright colors and geometric figures, describes the daily life and folk customs of the Kuna people. It is truly a perfect combination of the traditional Kuna culture and exquisite craftsmanship.

The exhibition consists of three areas, namely the Kuna People, the Origin of Mola, and Symbols and Totem, and 40 pieces of Mola embroideries are on display. Unveiling embroidery techniques like hollowing out and three-line sewing, these embroideries with unique ethnic characteristics outline the natural scenery and culture of Panama as well as nature and wildlife in the tropical zone to show the vigorous vitality of the Kuna people and create a bold and enthusiastic artistic atmosphere unique to the ethnic group.

Traditional Mola embroideries (Photo provided to iChongqing)

"June 13 marks the fifth anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Panama. To celebrate it, we are glad to hold the Mola exhibition in Chongqing." In his online speech, Panamanian Ambassador to China Leonardo Alfonso Kam Binns said that the steady and sustained diplomatic relations between the two countries must come from mutual understanding. Promoting cultural exchange is an important part of the friendly relations between China and Panama.

Traditional Mola embroideries (Photo provided to iChongqing)

"Cultures are enriched by exchanges and mutual learning," Zhou Yi, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, said in his speech at the opening ceremony. He added that the Panamanian Mola art exhibition offers the civilians in Chongqing an excellent chance to understand and feel the traditional Panamanian culture and build a bridge of friendship between the people of the two sides. 

Zhou Yi noted that in recent years, Chongqing and Panama have carried out practical cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, people-to-people exchanges, and local government exchanges. Chongqing and Panama have a good foundation for cooperation and broad development prospects. He believes that such cultural activities will enhance bilateral understanding, promote friendship, and take practical cooperation in all areas to a new level.