The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 64:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14.5 × 21.5 inches
Worked in three layers of reverse appliqué with applied appliqué and embroidery. A large bear rendered frontally dominates the composition, standing upright with outstretched arms and splayed legs against a blue-gray ground. The figure is outlined in bold channels of red, yellow, and teal. Prominent rounded ears frame a face detailed with embroidered eyes, whiskers, and a mouth with bared teeth in multicolored running stitch. The body is filled with slit-work bars, nested diamond forms, and appliquéd accents in pink, blue, orange, and green. Appliquéd letters run along the upper border in varied colors. Small subsidiary figures including cross-forms and birds occupy the surrounding field. Multicolored slit-work fill bars in cyan, pink, orange, blue, and lavender enliven the ground. The subject likely represents a spectacled bear, possibly inspired by the popular Paddington Bear character, reflecting the Guna tradition of incorporating contemporary imagery into mola design. A bold, symmetrical composition with strong narrative content.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Minor fading and wear consistent with age. In house Flat Rate US Shipping of $15 for 1 -10 molas, $5 each additional 10 molas. Insurance is additional and required.
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