The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 304:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1950s
13 inches
Hand-carved wooden medicine figure representing a seated male elder wearing a traditional hat, carved from a single piece of light hardwood. The figure displays well-defined facial features, proportioned limbs, and detailed carved hands resting on the knees. The seated posture on a simple chair form follows traditional Guna sculptural conventions for medicine figures used in healing ceremonies and spiritual practices. The figure shows natural aging and patina consistent with ritual use, with visible tool marks and surface weathering that speak to its authentic ceremonial function. These carved wooden figures, known as nuchu or uchu, serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds in Guna healing traditions, often used by medicine men (nele) in therapeutic ceremonies.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.
Condition report:
Vertical spit in wood on torso and on brim. In house Flat Rate US Shipping of $15 for 1 -10 molas, $5 each additional 10 molas. Insurance is additional and required.
Share this lot:
