The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 55:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
17.5 × 19 inches
A narrative mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a lively scene with four standing human figures and four quadruped animals arranged within a geometric maze framework on a red cotton ground. Each human figure is rendered in dark appliquéd fabric with hands on hips and splayed feet, embellished with multicolored embroidered details defining facial features and anatomical markings. The animals — rendered in dark fabric with varied colored outlines in pink, green, yellow, and brown — include what appear to be bulls or cattle and a possible elephant or tapir, each with embroidered surface texture.
The figures and animals are set within bold interlocking rectangular channels revealing green and yellow layers beneath the red ground. Scattered dashes of pink, orange, blue, green, and white appliqué animate the field throughout. A decorative yoke band at the top displays a repeating geometric S-scroll pattern in black on a yellow ground, with printed fabric visible at the upper edge.
Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense composition with multiple interacting figures demonstrating strong compositional control across a complex narrative arrangement. The pairing of human and animal figures suggests a scene of daily life or cultural significance within Guna tradition.
Single panel on red cotton ground with dark backing visible.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Some fading and a few small spots 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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