Guna Mola Panel with "Año Nuevo" (New Year) Inscription

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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 15 × 17.75 inches An exceptional mola panel worked in four layers of reverse appliqué and appliqué featuring bold geometric letterforms spelling "AÑO NUEVO" (New Year) in a striking composition that demonstrates the Guna practice of documenting significant cultural moments and calendar events. The panel represents a distinctive genre of mola art that transforms Western text into elaborate decorative compositions, celebrating the intersection of traditional technique with contemporary observance. The composition is organized in two horizontal registers, with "AÑO" dominating the upper half and "NUEVO" filling the lower portion. Each letter is rendered as a monumental form constructed through concentric rectangular and U-shaped channels that create rhythmic visual depth. The letters are outlined in multiple color sequences—yellow, green, orange, pink, and magenta—against a dark navy ground, with each layer carefully revealed through precise cutting. The interior of several letters contains additional nested rectangular forms or vertical line elements, adding complexity to the otherwise geometric vocabulary. Small triangular accent forms punctuate the corners and edges, providing compositional balance and drawing the eye across the full field. The vibrant orange ground serves as a powerful unifying element, framing the text in high contrast against the dark letterforms. The four-layer construction allows for exceptional depth, with color sequencing that creates optical vibration where warm and cool tones interact. The maker has employed consistent stitch density throughout, with particularly fine work visible in the tight curves of rounded letterforms and the sharp corners of rectangular channels. The color palette—dominated by orange, navy, magenta, yellow, and green—exemplifies the bold chromatic choices characteristic of mid-century Guna textile art influenced by commercially available cotton cloth. This piece exemplifies the Guna tradition of incorporating Western text and calendar references into mola design, transforming utilitarian information into elaborate artistic statement. New Year celebrations held particular significance as moments of cultural exchange and observation, often documented in textile form as markers of time and change. Worked on vibrant orange cotton ground with layers in navy, yellow, green, orange, pink, magenta, and blue. Four layers throughout with dense, even hand-stitching. Complex geometric cutwork with precise angles and curves. Sophisticated color layering creating optical depth and rhythm. Single panel on orange cotton ground with magenta backing visible. This piece exemplifies the documentary and commemorative functions of Guna mola art, combining masterful technical execution with playful engagement with Western cultural markers. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Vibrant color condition with minimal wear. 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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