The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 269:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s
14.75 × 17.25 inches
Brightly colored reverse appliqué mola panel, depicting a large dove in profile whose expansive body is divided into distinct zones each filled with densely packed parallel lines in a full rainbow spectrum — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, and teal — the lines varying in angle and direction from zone to zone, creating a shimmering, faceted effect across the entire form reminiscent of stained glass. The bird’s head, at upper left, is rendered in deep red with a white-ringed eye densely worked with multicolored contour stitching, and an upturned beak grasping a small branch — the branch indicated by multicolor embroidered leaf detailing, placing this within the Guna tradition of depicting the dove of peace, a motif that entered Guna visual culture through missionary contact and was thoroughly naturalized into the indigenous pictorial language. The neck and chest area features framed rectangular panels with comb-form motifs in yellow, lavender, and blue — rectilinear internal forms that contrast effectively with the sweeping diagonal striping of the wings and body. Executed in three layers of red, black, and yellow cotton, with extensive supplemental appliqué and hand embroidery throughout.
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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