Guna Mola Panel Depicting Earrings with Panamanian Coat of Arms

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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 × 18 inches A vibrant mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a pair of elaborate earrings ("ARETE," Spanish for earring), each featuring a stylized rendition of Panama's coat of arms. The text at top spells "ARETE" in bold multicolored letters against the red ground. Each earring form is rendered as a large oval medallion containing an eagle with outstretched wings above a quartered shield with crossed swords behind, surmounted by a helmet or crest. A banner across the left medallion reads "PRO MUN BENEFICIO," the maker's rendering from memory of Panama's national motto "Pro Mundi Beneficio" ("For the Benefit of the World"). The shield quadrants contain small embroidered motifs representing the heraldic elements of the national arms. Below each medallion, pendant forms with organic, curvilinear shapes suggest decorative drops or tassels hanging from the earrings. The surrounding field is densely filled with alternating vertical line work in contrasting colors — white, green, magenta, yellow, and orange — creating a dynamic striped background that frames and energizes the central compositions. The bilateral symmetry of the two earring forms demonstrates strong compositional control, with subtle color variations between left and right panels adding visual interest. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, the letters and heraldic details are rendered from memory with stylistic interpretation, reflecting the maker's visual translation of observed national symbols into the conventions of mola art. The choice of earrings as subject matter documents the Guna engagement with personal adornment and material culture, while the incorporation of the national coat of arms reflects patriotic pride. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with layers in black, orange, green, pink, blue, yellow, white, and lavender. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves and nested forms within the medallion designs. Elaborate embroidered details enhance the shield quadrants and eagle figures. Single panel on red cotton ground with black backing visible. 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.
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