The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 27:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
13.5 × 15.5 inches
An exceptional narrative 2 layer mola panel worked in reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting the biblical story of the Temptation in the Garden of Eden, interpreted through Guna visual conventions and textile techniques. This piece exemplifies the syncretic artistic tradition that emerged from missionary contact, transforming Christian narratives into indigenous aesthetic language.
The composition centers on the moment of temptation, with the serpent serving as the compositional anchor connecting the human figures. The serpent, rendered in deep red with orange outlining and diagonal scale patterning in yellow and white embroidery, weaves sinuously through the lower register, its body connecting Eve (the prominent yellow figure at center) with Adam and surrounding figures who may represent witnesses, angels, or allegorical personifications.
Eve stands as the central protagonist, her body worked in vibrant yellow with dense dotted embroidery throughout. She is depicted in the characteristic Guna dual-perspective convention—torso frontal, head in profile—holding what appears to be the forbidden fruit. Her figure is emphasized through scale and positioning, marking the pivotal moment of choice. Adjacent to her, a reclining or floating yellow figure (possibly representing the aftermath or spiritual consequence) is framed by concentric rainbow bands suggesting transformation or expulsion from grace.
Adam appears at left in the black profile figure holding a geometric panel, possibly representing knowledge, labor, or the laws given after the Fall. His form is filled with rainbow-colored running stitch, and he holds a textile or tablet marked with a grid pattern—a visual metaphor for divine law or the structure imposed after paradise.
Surrounding figures may represent angels or spiritual witnesses to the Fall. At upper left, an orange figure with elaborate headdress gestures with outstretched arms. At upper center, a turquoise figure in animated posture holds yellow implements, possibly representing divine judgment or expulsion. The burgundy star-form figure at upper right likely represents a celestial being or angel, while the monumental yellow-green figure at far right, distinguished by its scale and elaborate horizontal striping, may represent God, divine authority, or the archangel stationed at Eden’s gate.
The black ground scattered with multicolored triangular elements suggests the cosmos bearing witness to this foundational moment of human spiritual history. The lower motifs—a circular yellow head with radiating embroidered tears and burgundy organic forms—may represent grief, spiritual consequence, or the mortality introduced by the Fall.
This mola demonstrates the Guna practice of adapting Christian iconography encountered through missionary contact into traditional textile art, creating a visual theology that honors both the biblical narrative and indigenous artistic conventions. The complex multi-figure composition, serpent iconography, and symbolic layering reveal sophisticated theological engagement alongside masterful technical execution.
Worked on black cotton ground with layers in red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, pink, and burgundy. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with varied embroidery techniques including running stitch, chain stitch, and dense seed stitch fill. Complex multi-layer reverse appliqué construction with sophisticated nested cutwork. Strong compositional control balancing multiple narrative elements within unified field.
Single panel on black cotton ground with red visible at edges.
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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