Zucchini, thanks for the article with extended info about the study.
to answer your question: Molas are different from the mole dishes of south america--they are fabric art with "reverse" applique--the base material has many many materials layered upon it and the stylized artisitic pattern (usually of animals-esp lizards) are cut out of each layer applied and the cut surface is sewn onto the bottom layer. i know this is a great explanation (NOT!) and wish I knew how to send pictures, I would include one here.
madelyn