The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1
Lot 435:
Description
Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s–1980s.
11 x 14 inches
Hand reverse appliqué, appliqué, and hand embroidery, worked in 3 layers. Black ground with a large, dramatically coiled serpent rendered in red, pink, yellow, and green channel work dominating the composition, its open-mouthed head rendered in vivid detail with embroidered teeth, a spiraling eye, and spotted body. A human figure, depicted in red and multicolored appliqué with knife or sword in hand, is shown actively engaged with the serpent — a narrative subject rooted in Guna oral tradition and spiritual belief in which the serpent represents a powerful supernatural force, and the act of combat or confrontation carries protective and ritual significance. The surrounding field is densely filled with multicolored embroidered dash and bar elements in blue, white, green, yellow, orange, pink, and red, a treatment characteristic of the most elaborate figural molas of this period. A small secondary figure appears at lower left, and the composition is bordered top and bottom by rick-rack trim and yellow stripe accents.
Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.
Condition report:
Wear, fading, and a few small holes. 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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