The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 10:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14.5 × 18 inches
A striking mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a sophisticated geometric composition organized into four compartmentalized sections, each containing stylized boot forms and symbolic elements. The panel demonstrates an unusual focus on Western footwear as subject matter, documenting the maker’s observation of foreign material culture.
Each of the four main sections contains a vertically stacked arrangement of curved, crescent-shaped forms in contrasting colors—representing the abstracted profiles of boots or shoes viewed from the side. These boot forms are rendered with careful attention to layering, showing the sole, upper, and internal structure through the characteristic Guna reverse appliqué technique. The repetition of three horizontally stacked crescents in each section suggests systematic observation of boot construction.
The composition is organized within bold yellow concentric framing lines that create distinct zones while maintaining visual unity across the panel.
The overall effect suggests a taxonomic or documentary approach to depicting Western footwear—possibly boots observed on Canal Zone workers, military personnel, or merchants. The maker has transformed utilitarian objects into bold geometric abstraction while maintaining recognizable boot profiles.
Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with layers in black, yellow, orange, blue, green, pink, and turquoise. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense embroidered fill patterns with dot work creating texture. Strong compositional control with precise geometric organization.
Single panel on red cotton ground with red backing visible.
This piece exemplifies the documentation of Western material culture in traditional Guna textile art, demonstrating sophisticated geometric abstraction of everyday objects.
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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