The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 5:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14.5 × 18 inches
A vibrant mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a central figure flanked by elaborate symbolic and decorative elements. The surrounding field is densely filled with symbolic motifs including bells, botanical elements, cross forms, star shapes, and geometric patterns, all outlined in black and embellished with multicolored embroidery. Scattered triangular elements in various colors create a dynamic, celebratory atmosphere throughout the composition. The integration of Western holiday iconography (Santa Claus) with traditional Guna aesthetic demonstrates cultural synthesis and the maker’s engagement with external cultural influences.
The figure’s striped face treatment and elaborate costume suggest an interpretation of Santa Claus filtered through Guna visual traditions, creating a unique cross-cultural representation that blends Christmas imagery with indigenous textile art conventions.
Worked on deep burgundy/magenta cotton ground with layers in black, white, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and turquoise. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with very tight stitch density. Dense embroidered fill patterns with cross-stitch and running stitch details. Fully saturated composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves and nested forms. Strong technical control throughout.
Single panel on burgundy cotton ground with turquoise backing visible.
This piece exemplifies the incorporation of Western holiday traditions into traditional Guna textile art, documenting cultural exchange during the late 20th century.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
It was brought to our attention that Lot 18 is the blouse mate to this mola. Thank you Prudence Grissom for bringing that to our attention!
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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