Guna Mola Panel with Abstract Spirit 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 1970s 12 × 17 inches A vibrant mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a large abstract figure dominating the composition. The central form is rendered through concentric channel lines in yellow, orange, light blue, and pink radiating outward from the red ground, creating a sense of depth and visual movement. The figure's angular projections rise above broad, curving arms that extend to fill the upper field, while the lower body terminates in distinct feet — some appearing human with splayed toes and others suggesting animal paws or hooves, lending the figure an ambiguous, possibly supernatural or shape-shifting quality consistent with Guna spiritual iconography. The mid region contains a central S-shaped or knot motif worked in black with pink outlines and turquoise embroidered accents. Flanking the figure are two four-petaled flower or butterfly appliqué motifs — one in green with black and multicolored embroidered vein details, the other in blue with black and multicolored embroidery — suggesting botanical or spiritual symbolism. The lower register features additional small decorative elements including seed pod forms, diamond-shaped motifs with cross-stitch embroidery, and chevron patterning worked in yellow and black. Short vertical dashes in orange populate the open areas of the red ground, creating rhythmic visual texture throughout. The concentric outlining technique — with multiple parallel channel lines following the contour of the figure — demonstrates strong technical control and careful planning. The interplay of human and animal anatomical elements within a single figure suggests mythological or cosmological content, possibly representing a spirit being or transformation narrative central to Guna belief. Worked on deep red cotton ground with layers in red and black, featuring extensive appliqué channel lines in yellow, orange, light blue, pink, and purple. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Embroidered accents in multiple colors enhance the floral and decorative elements. Dense composition with strong bilateral symmetry and sophisticated curvilinear cutwork. Single panel on red cotton ground. 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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