The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 92:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14 × 16 inches
A compelling mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a large abstract animal form dominating the composition in a powerful symmetrical arrangement. The figure’s upper body displays two expansive rounded appendages filled with dense horizontal bars in multicolored appliqué — blue, purple, orange, yellow, pink, and green — outlined by concentric channel lines in teal and yellow.
The central body narrows into a waisted form containing a concentric oval motif. The lower register features a clearly rendered human face worked in black and grey appliqué with white eyes, a prominent T-shaped nose, and pink outlines, surmounted by a dark headdress element with a green spiral connected by a vertical stem. The lower body expands into two large curving scroll forms, each containing nested teardrop motifs with orange and pink centers. Dense multicolored running-stitch embroidery fills the open red ground surrounding the face and lower body, adding textural depth throughout.
The combination of abstract animal form with a human face suggests mythological or spiritual content central to Guna cosmology, possibly representing a supernatural being or transformation narrative.
Worked on deep red cotton ground with teal/green and yellow channel layers. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Scattered short vertical dashes and teardrop appliqué elements at the corners and borders. Strong bilateral symmetry with sophisticated curvilinear cutwork demonstrating advanced compositional control.
Single panel on red cotton ground with red reverse.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Minor wear and fading 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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