Kuna girls begin learning to sew Molas from a young age, and the craft becomes an essential expression of womanhood within the community. A Mola is more than an adornment. It is a treasured marker of identity, shaped by the hands of the woman who designs and wears it as a reflection of her voice, skill, and creativity.

Miao people believe that dragons are guardians of the oceans and hold fish especially dear. Revered as the rainmakers tied to agriculture, the mythical dragons symbolize both cosmic energy and divine protection. However, droughts are common in the Miao region. To summon rain, legend says that the Miao devised a ritual: by catching and sacrificing fish, they would make the dragons weep. The dragons’ tears would then fall as much-needed rain for the arid lands.