Guna Mola Panel, Winged Spirit Guardian Holding Human Figure

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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 15 inches Densely worked reverse appliqué mola panel depicting a dynamic winged spirit guardian cradling a smaller human figure, executed in three layers of black, dark red, and yellow cotton with extensive appliqué and embroidery throughout. The composition is dominated by the central spirit figure, rendered in a powerful frontal pose with legs splayed and arms extended. The guardian's face is boldly rendered in dark cotton with large almond-shaped white eyes outlined in orange, a wide open red mouth baring prominent white teeth, and an embroidered pink cross on the forehead. A red and yellow headdress or crown rises from the top of the head, framed by curving green and blue lines. The figure wears blue straps or a harness with a row of embroidered circles along each band, and a chevron-patterned belt or waistband in yellow, green, and red at the waist. Sweeping wings arc outward from the figure's shoulders and curve down and around on both sides, nearly filling the composition. The interior of each wing is filled with long vertical bars of appliquéd color — blue, pink, yellow, green, orange, red, and black — creating a brilliant rainbow-like effect against the dark red ground. The wings are outlined in successive channels of orange, blue, and black, giving them a bold layered border. The figure's hands are rendered with individually articulated fingers in dark cotton with orange outlines, and a string of white circular beads or a necklace drapes across the chest. The legs are worked in pink and dark red with vertical slit work in orange, yellow, and pink, ending in detailed boots rendered in blue and red appliqué with pink embroidered chain-link details. Cradled against the guardian's right side, a smaller human figure is held within the protective curve of the wing. The figure is rendered in pink and dark red cotton with a carefully detailed face showing a yellow and green nose, white eyes, and an open mouth. Its body is filled with embroidered details in teal, blue, and white, and its form nestles into the layered border of the wing. The imagery is consistent with Guna spiritual narratives in which powerful guardian beings protect or transport human souls. The surrounding black ground features rows of vertical slit work in blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink along the upper edge, with additional slit work filling the spaces around the boots and lower corners. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear consistent with age. Colors remain vibrant. In house Flat Rate US Shipping of $15 for 1 -10 molas, $5 each additional 10 molas. Insurance is additional and required.
• Shipping Info

  • In House Shipping is available and we will combine for economy. We will charge a $5 per additional lot within the same box. All items are shipped with Insurance. In person pick up is also available in our Princeton, NJ Auction Facility.

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