The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 4:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
10 × 14 inches each
A matched pair of mola panels worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery, featuring stylized bird or eagle motifs with the text “AKERS” prominently displayed. This pair references “The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama” by Floyd Akers, the pen name of L. Frank Baum (author of “The Wizard of Oz”), published in 1907. The novel, part of Baum’s Boy Fortune Hunters series, featured young American adventurers seeking treasure in Panama during the Canal construction era, reflecting early 20th-century fascination with the region and its transformation.
Each panel displays a bold, symmetrical bird figure with outstretched wings forming a heart-shaped composition. The birds feature central bodies with intricate reverse applique dot patterns and geometric wing extensions. Corner elements frame the composition with nested rectangular forms. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, the text is rendered from memory with stylistic interpretation.
The pairing of American literary adventure culture with traditional Guna textile art demonstrates the cross-cultural awareness and commentary present in mid-to-late 20th century mola work, as makers engaged with foreign narratives about their homeland.
Worked on vibrant magenta/red cotton ground with layers in orange, yellow, pink, blue, green, and black. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense embroidered fill patterns create texture across the bird bodies. Geometric borders demonstrate strong compositional control.
Matched pair on red cotton ground with decorative yoke bands. Evidence of use with minor wear consistent with age.
This pair exemplifies the integration of Western literary references into traditional Guna textile art, documenting cultural intersection during Panama’s modern era.
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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