Guna Mola Blouse with Rooster and Bird Iconography

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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 13.5 × 17 inches An exceptional complete traditional blouse featuring matched front and back mola panels worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery, each presenting a densely composed narrative scene rich with bird iconography against a deep red ground. The front panel depicts a large stylized rooster in profile, its body outlined in orange with a prominent serrated comb, a bold rectangular eye with white appliqué pupil, and an elaborately fanned tail composed of multiple curving feathers decorated with rows of small oval and square motifs in multicolored appliqué. The bird's breast and body are densely patterned with horizontal bands of small squares and dots in pink, green, yellow, and blue. Beneath the rooster, a scroll-form motif with crossed diagonal lines suggests a perch or nesting area. Four smaller stylized birds — each rendered in a different color (blue, pink, yellow, and pink) with black outlines and vertical striped bodies — occupy the corners of the composition. Additional decorative elements including S-curves, cross forms, and clover shapes fill the surrounding field. A Greek key meander border in orange and black runs along the upper register. The back panel presents a second large rooster in a dynamic spread-wing pose, its body outlined in orange with densely patterned plumage rendered through numerous small oval, diamond, and star appliqué motifs in multicolored fabrics against black and red grounds. The wings extend outward with elaborate feather detailing, and the head features a serrated comb, prominent eye, and open beak. The body is densely filled with interlocking teardrop-shaped sections containing stars, squares, and geometric motifs, creating richly textured plumage. Four smaller bird figures again anchor the corners in varied colors, maintaining compositional consistency between panels. Short vertical dashes in yellow, green, pink, and white fill the surrounding field. Worked on deep red/burgundy cotton ground with layers in black and orange, featuring extensive appliqué in yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, turquoise, and white. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Fully filled compositions demonstrating strong compositional control and sophisticated cutwork with complex curves, nested shapes, and intricate patterning within the bird forms. Complete wearable blouse with distinctive green and black houndstooth-check printed fabric yoke and gathered sleeves with orange piping and rickrack trim, drawstring neckline, and pale yellow cotton lower border band. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  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.
• Shipping Info

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