The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 39:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), Circa 1960s
13 x 18 inches
Finely worked reverse appliqué mola panel featuring four stylized birds arranged in radial symmetry around a central tree of life motif, executed in two layers of orange and dark maroon cotton. The composition is organized along intersecting vertical and horizontal axes, with each bird oriented toward a corner of the panel. The birds are rendered with rounded bodies, curved beaks, splayed tail feathers, and prominent eyes executed in small circular appliqué of black and white — the only colors beyond the dominant two-tone palette. Each bird’s body is filled with internal zigzag and chevron channels cut through the orange layer to reveal the maroon beneath, creating a vibrant surface texture throughout.
The central tree of life form rises along the vertical axis, its trunk dividing the upper and lower pairs of birds. Leaf-shaped forms with interior vein-like cutwork radiate symmetrically from the center, positioned between and below each pair of birds. The surrounding ground is densely filled with continuous zigzag and sawtooth channel work, leaving virtually no unworked space across the entire panel. Horizontal bands of parallel lines and stepped geometric forms frame the composition along the upper and lower edges.
The restricted palette of bright orange against deep maroon is characteristic of traditional Guna color sensibility, and the absence of additional appliqué or embroidery places emphasis entirely on the precision and density of the reverse appliqué cutwork. The stitching is consistent and controlled throughout, with tight turns around the complex curved forms of the birds and central motifs. The overall effect is one of strong graphic impact and masterful compositional balance.
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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