The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 203:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14.5 × 16.5 inches
Exceptionally narrative reverse appliqué mola panel of notable iconographic complexity, organized across a saturated red ground densely scattered with multicolored triangle-form cutouts. The upper register features a large radial pinwheel flower gramaphone speaker at left, a figure in a pelican hood at center, and a prominently rendered gramophone horn in orange, red, and blue at upper right — a clear reference to the RCA “His Master’s Voice” trademark. Flanking the central field are two matching jukebox or radio forms, each with a numbered dial, horizontal register detailing, and pendant drop elements, rendered in orange and pink respectively. A hatted female figure in pink stands at center gesturing outward, accompanied by an orange figure operating one of the machines. Four-leaf clover and organic vine forms appear in the mid-field. The lower border carries an appliquéd wave-scroll motif in green and yellow alongside two embroidered leaf forms. Pelican hooded figure is a reference to Hitachi TV branding. Executed in reverse appliqué, applied appliqué, and embroidery in red, black, blue, orange, yellow, pink, green, and purple cotton, in two layers.
A similar photo of this mola can be found on page 240 for RCA and Page 239 for Hitachi of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.
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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