Guna Mola Panel Depicting Antonio Aguilar as Charro

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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 16.5 × 19 inches An exceptional mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting the legendary Mexican singer, actor, and charro Antonio Aguilar (1919-2007). The composition features a dynamic portrait showing Aguilar in his iconic wide-brimmed sombrero adorned with decorative elements, alongside his horse rendered in profile with elaborate bridle and tack details. Text bands surrounding the figures spell out "ANTONIO" and variations of "RANCHEROS" and other related words such as "Cantare" and "Rancheros", created from memory in multicolored appliqué letters. The horse's head is densely worked with fine multicolored embroidered dots creating an iridescent effect across the black ground. Aguilar's face displays characteristic features with embroidered details for eyes, nose, and mouth, his costume suggesting traditional charro attire. Antonio Aguilar was one of Mexico's most beloved entertainers, known for his ranchera music and starring roles in over 160 films, often depicting Mexican cowboys and revolutionaries. His popularity extended throughout Latin America, and his image—particularly in charro costume—became iconic. This mola documents the reach of Mexican popular entertainment culture into Panama through radio, film, and traveling performances. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with black sections, featuring layers in orange, yellow, pink, blue, green, and white. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with very tight stitch density. Dense embroidered fill patterns with extraordinary dot work creating texture across the horse's form. Strong compositional control with bold figure-ground relationships. Single panel on red and black cotton ground. This piece exemplifies the documentation of popular entertainment culture in traditional Guna textile art, demonstrating the maker's engagement with pan-Latin American celebrity and mass media. Similar MOLA on page 197 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear consistent with age. 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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