Guna Mola Panel Commemorating Saint Francis of Assisi, 1962

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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 1962 15 × 18 inches A vibrant religious mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué and appliqué proclaiming "VIVA SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS ANO 1962" (Long Live Saint Francis of Assisi, Year 1962), celebrating the patron saint through bold, monumental letterforms that fill the entire composition against a red ground. The text is arranged in four rows of oversized block letters, each individually worked with concentric outlines in contrasting colors — orange as the primary channel line with inner fills in turquoise, blue, pink, purple, yellow, green, and dark burgundy. Each letter is treated as a distinct design element, with nested concentric forms creating depth and visual interest within every character. The spaces between letters are activated with short vertical dashes in orange, white, pink, turquoise, yellow, blue, and green, maintaining rhythmic visual texture across the red field. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, the text is rendered from memory with the maker's own spacing and letter arrangement, resulting in the words running together across the rows. The date 1962 likely marks a specific feast day celebration or community observance honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, whose teachings on nature and simplicity resonated with many indigenous communities in Latin America. The celebration of Catholic saints through traditional mola art reflects centuries of religious syncretism in Guna Yala, where Christian devotional practice became integrated into indigenous cultural expression. The entirely text-based composition — with no figurative imagery — is notable within the mola tradition, transforming the panel into a textile proclamation or banner. The monumental scale of the letters and the care taken in their multicolored execution elevate this devotional text into a work of bold graphic art. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with layers in orange and burgundy/maroon, featuring extensive appliqué channel lines in turquoise, blue, pink, purple, yellow, and green. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Strong compositional control with precise letterforms and balanced spacing. Single panel on red cotton ground with burgundy backing visible. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Several spots and fabric loss visible, as well as, some fading. 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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