The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 74:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
15 × 15 inches
A dynamic mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a large bat in symmetrical frontal pose with outstretched wings filling the upper field. The bat features pointed ears, prominent round red and white eyes, an orange beak-like mouth, and a green face with embroidered detailing. The broad wings extend to either side with multicolored horizontal striped bars in teal, pink, purple, blue, and yellow against the black ground. Below, a second smaller face with round red and white eyes and white teeth peers upward, suggesting a second creature or a spiritual companion. The entire central composition is framed by bold flowing contour lines in red with yellow and orange outlining that curve outward to form symmetrical lobed extensions at the corners. Scattered triangular and diamond-shaped elements in blue, pink, and green accent the dark ground between the forms. Dense multicolored running stitch h embroidery fills the areas surrounding the bat’s body and wings, creating rich textural depth. Worked on black cotton ground with layers in red, yellow, orange, pink, green, blue, and teal. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Strong bilateral symmetry with controlled compositional balance. Single panel on black cotton ground with red backing visible.
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.
Share this lot:
