“Fume Kool Mola” (1953) by an unknown Guna artist, Panama 

Molas are a form of textile work made by the Guna (sometimes spelled Kuna/Cuna) women of Panama and Colombia. These textile works are handmade using the reverse applique technique with many layers of colorful fabric. The geometric forms of molas have their origins in body painting. Due to Spanish colonization and missionaries the Guna translated the body painting shapes into textile work along with depictions of plants and wildlife, some contemporary molas even feature popular culture. Mola means shirt or clothing in the Guna language of Dulegaya. The Guna people live in three politically autonomous reservations with the majority living on the islands of Guna Yala. Additionally, there are Guna communities in both Panama's Capital and the city of Colón. The Mola-making tradition has been continued and the colorful artworks are often seen in markets and tourist locations. The particular Mola in the image is part of the Harn Museum of Art's Collection. It features text which is not typically on Molas which reads "Fume Kool Refrescante" which translates to Smoke Refreshing Kool. This slogan alludes to the American brand of menthol cigarettes. The mola features two bird-like figures smoking and eating fish along with a fishing boat and fishermen. the caption "Pinguin" refers to the Willie the Kool Penguin used to advertise Kool's products. This piece was made to celebrate Panama's 50th anniversary of independence from Colombia. The word "Cincuentenario" means the fiftieth anniversary. The Kool Cigarettes might acknowledge the United States Involvement in the Independence of Panama and how the country has a strong American influence. The geometric forms of a mostly representational style were adapted into letters.  This mola is an interesting blend of advertisement and typography blended with a traditional indigenous art form.