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Table Runner (Guna)

2
Maker Once Known, Guna People (San Blas Islands, Panama)
Table Runner (n.d.)
cotton
81.5 x 34.5 cm
Gift of Virginia Weeks
2003-31-115

This bright textile is a table runner, an oblong oval of orange and green cotton with geometric appliqué. It was made by the Guna people (previously spelled Kuna) of Panama, who practiced the technique of reverse appliqué. This laborious and intricate process is described by the Cleveland Museum of Art as

"layers of different colored cotton fabric are basted (temporarily stitched) together; a design is cut into the top layer; and the edges of the cuts are carefully folded under and sewn down, revealing the color of the layer beneath. Additional details are added by appliqué, in which pieces of fabric are sewn on top"

The Guna are known for this decorative technique on their textiles, which are closely tied with Guna culture and has gained distinction as folk art.

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  1. The Things that Make a Home Jessica Nelson
  2. Decorative Techniques from Around the World Jessica Nelson

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