Guna Mola Panel with Folded Shirt (Camisa) Motif

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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 15.25 × 18 inches A striking mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a pair of stylized folded shirts arranged in a symmetrical composition. The letters "C," "A," "M," "I," "S," and "A" are distributed across pocket and badge forms throughout the design, spelling "CAMISA" (Spanish for shirt). Each shirt displays a rounded collar or neckline at top, striped body sections in alternating colors, and small rectangular pockets containing individual letters worked in contrasting hues against black grounds. A central vertical band with cross-stitch embroidery and small square motifs divides the two shirt forms. This piece exemplifies the Guna practice of incorporating everyday objects into their textile art, transforming a common garment into an elaborate compositional subject. The shirts are rendered with close observation of structural details — collars, pockets, and folded edges — reinterpreted through the visual language of reverse appliqué. Worked on deep red cotton ground with layers in black, teal, orange, yellow, pink, magenta, blue, green, and white. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring both straight-line stripe elements and curved forms around the collar and pocket details. Rickrack trim along the upper edge. A similar photo of this mola can be found on page 192 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal. Single panel on red cotton ground with black backing. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear and fading consistent with age and use. 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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