The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 263:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
Measures 15 × 17 inches
Densely worked reverse appliqué mola panel of characteristic Guna wit, depicting a large fish wearing a small cap. The fish’s sweeping body is filled with densely packed parallel curved lines in a full spectrum of rainbow colors — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, and white — each line individually cut and turned with remarkable precision, creating a shimmering optical effect across the entire surface. The capped head, at right, is rendered with a circular eye outlined in white and yellow, the face filled with concentric embroidered contour lines, and a multicolored striped gill panel. A central band of interlocking S-scroll and meander motifs in pink, yellow, and blue articulates the body. Two attendant figures occupy the surrounding field: a smaller fish at upper right and a second fish at lower right, each with embroidered interior detailing. At left, a blue appliquéd fishtail enhances the composition. This mola is characteristic of the Guna practice of inserting humor and contemporary observation into traditional cosmological imagery. Executed in three layers of red, yellow, and black cotton, with extensive supplemental appliqué and hand embroidery throughout.
A similar photo of this mola can be found on page 94 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. Vibrant color. 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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