The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 103:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
15 × 18 inches
A densely composed mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a large dove with outstretched wings rendered from a commercial product label or trademark emblem. A bold text banner across the top reads “MARCA REGISTRADA” (Spanish for “Registered Trademark”) in multicolored appliqué letters against a red ground with a row of multicolored arched forms beneath. The Latin motto “LABOR OMNIA VINCIT” (“Work Conquers All,” from Virgil’s Georgics) is distributed around the central bird figure, with “LABOR” at lower left, “OMNIA” at center, and “VINCIT” at right.
The dove dominates the composition, its wings fully outstretched and filled with elaborate striped feather work in alternating bands of red, pink, blue, yellow, teal, lavender, and green. The body is densely covered with multicolored zigzag embroidery stitches in a remarkable scale-like pattern creating an iridescent, shimmering effect. The bird’s head is rendered in profile with a white eye and small rounded beak. Below the dove, organic leaf-like forms and a pair of stylized tulip or floral motifs in teal and red with embroidered vein details fill the lower register, reinforcing the theme of peace and abundance.
The surrounding black ground is energized with vertical dash elements in alternating colors and sinuous curvilinear forms in red, pink, and orange that flow around the central composition. The overall effect is of a meticulously observed and reinterpreted commercial emblem — likely from a flour sack, beer label, or tobacco packaging — transformed into a vibrant textile artwork.
This piece exemplifies the Guna practice of absorbing and reinterpreting the visual culture of commercial trade goods encountered through markets, stores, and imported products. The combination of a Spanish commercial term with a Latin classical motto reflects the layered linguistic environment of 20th-century Panama, where indigenous, Spanish, and Western commercial languages coexisted. The dove — a universal symbol of peace — paired with the industrious motto creates a compelling juxtaposition of tranquility and labor.
Worked on black cotton ground with layers in red, pink, and orange. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork and extraordinary embroidered detail throughout the dove’s plumage. Multicolored zigzag embroidery across the body demonstrates exceptional technical skill.
Single panel on black cotton ground with red backing visible.
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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