Guna Mola Panel with Manned Aircraft and Fighter Planes

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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 18.5 × 15.5 inches A striking narrative mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery on a black cotton ground. A large central aircraft dominates the composition, rendered with outstretched wings and a prominent engine or cockpit structure at the top with circular forms embellished with spiral embroidery. Within the fuselage, a small human figure with embroidered facial features and a striped body is clearly visible, representing the pilot or aviator. Two appliquéd star motifs in red with blue outlines are positioned at the aircraft's center, possibly referencing military insignia. Six smaller aircraft surround the central figure — four stylized fighter planes at the corners and two additional craft flanking the upper field — each rendered in red appliqué with orange, turquoise, or green outlines and multicolored chevron embroidery suggesting wings, propellers, and structural markings. Dense horizontal dash motifs in yellow, turquoise, purple, pink, green, orange, and blue fill the entire background, creating a vibrant visual rhythm against the dark ground. Three layers of reverse appliqué reveal red and pink beneath the gray ground, with yellow appliqué outlining the central aircraft. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with no negative space. Red cotton backing visible on reverse. Single panel on black cotton ground. This piece exemplifies the Guna practice of incorporating modern technology into traditional textile art. The depiction of manned aircraft and fighter planes reflects the fascination with aviation that emerged through mid-twentieth-century contact with military and commercial flight in the Panama Canal Zone and San Blas region. A photo of this mola can be found on page 146 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.

  Condition

  Fading, a few small spots, and loose applique are visible. 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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