The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 11:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
12 × 14.5 inches
An exceptional mola panel worked in two layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a Nativity scene with the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus. The panel demonstrates extraordinary technical mastery through extensive multicolored embroidery on black ground.
The central focus features a large circular medallion containing the Virgin Mary with yellow hair and serene facial features, surrounded by concentric rings of multicolored zigzag and wavy line embroidery creating a radiating halo or mandala effect. Text reading “MARIA” appears in the embroidered field, identifying the figure.
The white appliqué rectangle in the lower center contains the reclining infant Jesus rendered in orange, with “JESUS” embroidered below in multicolored letters. This represents the Christ child in the manger, the traditional focal point of Nativity imagery. Surrounding symbolic elements include celestial stars worked in concentric embroidered lines, an animal figure (possibly representing the ox or donkey present at the Nativity), and cross symbols reinforcing the Christian narrative.
This interpretation of the Nativity demonstrates sophisticated religious syncretism, presenting the foundational Christian story through distinctly Guna aesthetic vocabulary. The extensive embroidery technique elevates this devotional image to a meditation on sacred narrative, with each stitch functioning as an act of spiritual devotion.
Worked on vibrant burgundy cotton ground with black sections featuring extraordinarily dense multicolored embroidery throughout. Two-layer construction with appliqué elements and exceptional embroidered details creating texture across nearly the entire surface. The embroidery density and technical precision mark this as a masterwork.
Single panel on burgundy cotton ground with black backing visible.
This piece exemplifies masterwork-level Guna textile art, demonstrating exceptional technical virtuosity and profound engagement with Christian religious narrative.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Minor 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.
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