The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 66:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
16.5 × 19 inches
Worked in three layers of reverse appliqué with applied appliqué and embroidery. Two large parachute canopies dominate the composition, their billowing forms filled with dense multicolored slit-work bars in yellow, pink, green, blue, orange, and white. Multicolored shroud lines radiate from each canopy to two descending figures rendered with expressive embroidered faces, dark hair, and outstretched arms. The word “PARACAIDA” (Spanish for parachute) is inscribed in multicolored appliquéd letters across the upper register, with a second inscription “PARACAIO” appearing on a boat at lower left. An airplane with passengers occupies the upper register, flanked by smaller human and animal figures. The lower register teems with narrative detail: a boat bearing a figure, a flag, and embroidered lettering; multiple standing and seated human figures with densely embroidered clothing and hair; and several animals including dogs and birds. A small appliquéd flag or emblem with star motifs appears at center. Multicolored slit-work fill bars enliven the surrounding red ground throughout. The subject likely documents the Guna observation of military parachute operations near the Canal Zone, or possibly references televised imagery of space capsule reentry following the Apollo missions. An exceptionally dense and ambitious contact-era narrative composition with strong documentary content.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection
Condition report:
Minor fading and 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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