The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 186:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
12 × 16 inches
Worked in three layers of black, red, and yellow cotton with extensive polychrome appliqué and hand embroidery throughout, this lively narrative mola depicts a ceremonial dance scene identified by appliquéd lettering reading “NARVA” and “CANDUB” across the upper register, each letter rendered individually in multicolored cotton on the dark red ground. The central composition is dominated by a large maraca rendered in reverse appliqué, its circular resonator filled with a dense field of reverse applique orange dots on red and its handle worked in closely spaced cross-stitch in gray and black. Flanking the maraca symmetrically, two tall rectangular pan flutes are rendered in gray reverse appliqué with green channel outlines, each strung with diagonal white embroidered cords suggesting string binding. Two animated anthropomorphic figures face the central instrument from either side, each rendered in gray appliqué with polychrome outlines, embroidered spiral eyes, and raised open hands conveying active movement. The red ground field is saturated throughout with vertical polychrome dash elements. Consistent hand-stitching throughout.
A similar photo of this mola can be found on page 76 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.
Condition report:
Moderate 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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