Guna Mola Panel Depicting the 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 × 16.5 inches An exceptional mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting the Crucifixion of Christ in a bold, densely composed narrative scene. A large stepped cross dominates the composition, defined by concentric bands in pink, yellow, black, and blue. The inscription "I.N.R.I." appears above the figure's head, rendered from memory in reverse lettering — characteristic of Guna textile tradition. The figure of Christ occupies the center of the cross, depicted frontally with outstretched arms. The face is rendered with detailed embroidered features including eyes, nose, mouth, and a beard, surrounded by a white radiating halo of pointed zigzag cuts. The torso and limbs are densely worked with multicolored embroidered dashes in pink, teal, and yellow against a black ground, creating a textured, shimmering effect. A blue loincloth with embroidered wave patterning wraps the waist. The outstretched arms display alternating black-and-white striped banding suggesting the musculature or binding of the limbs. The feet rest upon a decorated pedestal form embellished with embroidered circles in purple and teal. Two large figures — rendered in profile with prominent round eyes, curved beaks, and bodies densely filled with vertical dash work — flank the base of the cross. One is worked in blue and red, the other in red and yellow, each facing inward toward the central figure. Two standing human figures occupy the lower corners, likely representing mourners at the foot of the cross, each with embroidered faces and bodies filled with vertical stripe patterning. Scattered X-motif and triangle elements in multiple colors fill the rectangular compartments formed by the cross arms, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere throughout the composition. A decorative border band across the top features a row of X-pattern squares in multicolored appliqué with an orange zigzag wave trim above. This piece exemplifies the sophisticated religious syncretism in Guna textile art, where Christian iconography absorbed through centuries of missionary presence was reinterpreted through distinctly indigenous aesthetic principles. The Crucifixion scene — with its accompanying birds, mourning figures, and dense decorative program — reflects the Guna practice of integrating biblical narrative into their own visual and spiritual frameworks. Worked on vibrant red and orange cotton ground with layers in black, pink, yellow, and blue. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork and elaborate embroidered details throughout the figural elements. Decorative yoke band with floral print fabric visible on reverse. Single panel on red cotton ground with green backing visible. 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.
• Shipping Info

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