Guna Mola Blouse Crucifixion

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The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1

By Dana Auctions LLC

May 16, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-05-16 11:00:00 2026-05-16 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Parker & Neal Mola Collection - Part 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/dana-auctions-llc/the-parker-neal-mola-collection---part-1-23111
The Parker-Neal Mola Collection Auction on May 16 presents a compelling selection of molas drawn from the renowned collection of Ann Parker and Avon Neal, co-authors of Molas: Folk Art of the Cuna Indians. This first offering has been thoughtfully curated to highlight some of the most interesting and visually striking examples from their extensive holdings. Dana Auctions LLC dana@danaauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 14.5 × 16.5 inches (each panel) Reverse appliqué mola panels worked in three layers of red, orange, and black cotton, the front panel centering a Latin cross rendered in bold orange outline against a red ground, bearing a crucified figure in blue and black with densely embroidered multicolored body, crowned head in yellow and grey, and the inscription "INRI" appliquéd in multicolored letters above. Flanking the cross, two appliquéd five-pointed star motifs with embroidered centers. In the lower register, a four-legged animal at left with scroll ornament and a second zoomorphic form at right, both rendered in blue and red outline against dotted fields. The upper border features a continuous running scroll or key-fret band in pink, orange, blue, and yellow. Corner cartouches filled with multicolored crossed-bar motifs throughout. The reverse panel presents an alternative narrative composition with additional human and zoomorphic figures. The composition reflects the Guna tradition of absorbing and reinterpreting Catholic missionary imagery into the mola tradition. Techniques include reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery. Applied to a full adult blouse constructed with neon yellow-green cotton body fabric, dark red pleated trim at the yoke, sleeve cuffs with embroidered scroll bands, and a wide blue commercial floral-print cotton hem border. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.

  Condition

  Minor wear and fading consistent with age. Side seam and armhole on one side is unsewn. 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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