The center is similar to a mola. The red is cut and stitched under and then the little diamond shapes are added on top. The rest of it does not look at all like a mola. and yes, I would love to know the history of the piece. It is so unique and only a few of the stitches show like on the greens. I wish I could stitch that tiny. Oh well, who knows someone may come along that does recognize exactly where it came from. a treasure for sure. Thanks for all of you that said it looks like....