Guna Mola Panel with Crucifixion Scene and Attendant Figures

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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 17.5 × 20.5 inches An impressive narrative mola panel worked in 3 layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a Crucifixion scene rendered through Guna visual traditions. A central figure with outstretched arms is set against a large cross form, the body outlined in blue appliqué with a striped torso and splayed hands. The head is surrounded by a radiating zigzag halo in black and yellow, with embroidered facial features, representing Christ rendered in the maker's distinctive indigenous style. Flanking the cross at lower left and right are two standing attendant figures, each with round heads bearing embroidered features and striped bodies in contrasting colors. The left figure carries what appears to be a vessel above its head and is accompanied by a rainbow arc motif; the right figure is similarly rendered with striped detailing. Scattered cross, star, and floral motifs fill the surrounding field. A bold border of repeating multicolored X-shaped cross motifs on an orange ground frames the entire composition. Worked on deep red cotton ground with layers in black, white/pink, orange, and yellow. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition demonstrating strong technical control with sophisticated cutwork in the nested rectangular borders and complex figural elements. Alternating bands of vertical dashes in contrasting colors — blue, green, orange, yellow, and white — fill the cross arms and figure bodies, creating visual rhythm throughout. Single panel on red cotton ground with red backing visible. This piece exemplifies the incorporation of Christian religious iconography into traditional Guna textile art, reflecting the cultural synthesis that occurred through missionary contact in the region. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Repairs on reverse with transparent tape, slight fading and small holes are visible. 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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