The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 53:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
13.5 × 17.75 inches
A bold mola panel worked in 3 layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting two mirrored sea turtles filling the central field. Each turtle displays a segmented shell with intricate interior patterning in contrasting colors, a stylized head with embroidered details, and splayed flippers extending outward. The turtles are rendered in strong bilateral symmetry, their bodies interlocking to create a dense, unified composition.
The surrounding field is filled with geometric S-shaped and rectangular filler motifs in multiple colors against dark grounds, framing the central figures with rhythmic repetition. Worked on deep red/magenta cotton ground with layers in dark olive, green, and orange, accented with blue, yellow, pink, purple, and white appliqué and embroidery throughout.
Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition demonstrating strong technical control with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves and nested forms within the turtle shells. The sea turtle is a significant motif in Guna cosmology, representing the natural world central to island life.
Single panel on red cotton ground.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Wear and fading are present. An area with loose applique is visible. 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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