Guna Mola Panel with Moth or Butterfly 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 17 × 20.5 inches A vibrant mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a large symmetrical moth or butterfly form filling the central field. The creature's broad upper wings arch upward with multiple concentric bands in teal, orange, red, blue, and black, incorporating a bold zigzag chevron band in blue and yellow. The lower wings taper into curved, boot-shaped forms with additional concentric banding and floral printed fabric accents. The body is divided into densely filled compartments containing rows of black vertical slits separated by horizontal color bands in pink, orange, yellow, and teal, with multicolored cross motifs scattered throughout each section. The surrounding red ground is densely filled with rows of vertical slits in orange, blue, pink, and white, creating a lively textural field. Arrow-shaped extensions project from the upper corners of the figure, adding angular counterpoints to the rounded wing forms. Small patches of printed fabric are integrated into the composition, a characteristic Guna technique of incorporating found materials. Worked on red cotton ground with layers in teal, orange, black, blue, red, pink, yellow, and purple. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves in the wing contours and nested concentric forms throughout. Single panel on red cotton ground with teal cotton backing. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear, discoloration, spots and fading 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.
• Shipping Info

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