Guna Mola Panel, Three Angels within Celestial Sphere

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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 1960s 13 x 14 inches Densely worked reverse appliqué mola panel depicting three angelic figures arranged in dynamic flight within a large circular celestial sphere, executed in three layers of dark grey-black, dark maroon, and red cotton with extensive appliqué and embroidery throughout. The central medallion dominates the composition, its border rendered in successive channels of pink, maroon, and blue against the dark ground, forming a heavenly realm or mandorla. The three angels are arranged in a rotating composition within the circle, each oriented at a different angle to create a sense of celestial flight or descent. All three are rendered in dark red cotton outlined in yellow and green, their bodies clothed in long robes covered with a grid of dots — yellow on one figure, green on another, and orange on the third — suggesting richly patterned vestments. Each figure's head is carefully detailed with an embroidered eye, outlined facial features, and flowing hair rendered in fine concentric lines of pink and white embroidery that cascade in rhythmic curves from the scalp. The hair is further accented with rows of small arch-shaped embroidered motifs in multicolored threads — pink, teal, orange, yellow, and white — adding rich surface texture. The figures' hands are rendered with individually articulated fingers extended outward in gestures of blessing or proclamation, and their feet are shod in small yellow shoes. Outside the celestial sphere, the dark grey-black ground is filled with rows of vertical slit work in yellow, green, blue, pink, orange, and lime green. Two six-pointed stars — one at upper right and one at lower left — are worked in red and green appliqué with embroidered details, reinforcing the heavenly setting. A small dove in red and pink appliqué with yellow and green outlines appears at the upper left, its wings extended in flight — a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit. Along the upper edge, a decorative orange border with sawtooth detailing runs the width of the panel. The composition reflects the Guna tradition of interpreting Christian iconography — likely introduced through missionary contact — and reinterpreting it within the visual language of the mola. The three angels may reference the Holy Trinity, the Annunciation, or a heavenly host, rendered with the bold graphic energy characteristic of Guna textile art. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear and fading 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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