Guna Mola Panel Depicting the Flagellation of Christ

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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-1980s 12.5 × 16 inches An exceptional narrative 2 layer mola panel worked in reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting the biblical scene of Christ's flagellation prior to the Crucifixion. The composition presents a central haloed figure with outstretched arms flanked by four attendant figures, creating a powerful visual interpretation of the Passion narrative through traditional Guna textile techniques. The central Christ figure is distinguished by a prominent radiating halo executed in concentric bands of white, blue, yellow, orange, and red against black, creating a mandorla-like nimbus. The figure's body is rendered in deep orange-red with vertical striping embroidery suggesting the torso, and white appliqué details marking facial features. The arms extend horizontally across the composition, connecting to the flanking figures in a gesture suggesting both suffering and benediction. Four anthropomorphic figures surround the central subject, each outlined in vibrant yellow, orange, green, or blue. The figures are filled with dense embroidered patterning—vertical rainbow striping, dotted rows in graduated chromatic sequences, and concentric curved lines—creating rhythmic visual texture within each form. Each figure features white appliqué eyes with embroidered pupils, giving the ensemble an intense, witnessing quality. Small white circular elements appear near several figures, possibly representing instruments of the Passion or symbolic motifs. The densely worked ground features scattered triangular elements in multiple colors—yellow, orange, pink, blue, white, green, and purple—each outlined in black, creating an all-over pattern that fills the negative space and heightens the visual intensity. Additional embroidered chain-stitch details and small geometric elements punctuate the composition. This mola exemplifies the Guna practice of adapting Christian iconography encountered through missionary contact into traditional textile art forms. The interpretation combines European religious narrative with indigenous aesthetic conventions, creating a syncretic visual statement. The choice of the flagellation scene—a moment of physical suffering and spiritual transformation—demonstrates sophisticated theological engagement alongside masterful technical execution. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with applique in black, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, white, and purple. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with dense embroidered fill patterns. Complex multi-layer reverse appliqué construction with sophisticated cutwork. Strong compositional control with radial symmetry centered on the haloed figure. Single panel on red cotton ground with black backing visible at reverse. 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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