Guna Mola Panel with Paired Birds

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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 16 × 18 inches A masterwork mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting two large birds arranged in mirrored horizontal orientation, their bodies intertwined in a sophisticated interlocking composition. This piece exemplifies the highest level of Guna textile artistry, demonstrating exceptional technical mastery, sophisticated compositional planning, and the ability to create unified design from paired elements. The composition presents two birds of equal scale positioned horizontally—one facing left in the upper portion, one facing right in the lower portion—creating perfect bilateral symmetry while maintaining the visual clarity of two distinct creatures. Each bird is rendered in brilliant orange appliqué against red ground with black interlayer providing strong graphic definition throughout. Each bird displays characteristic avian features: an elongated head with white appliqué eye creating penetrating gaze, curved beak suggested through orange appliqué outlining, and gracefully curving neck that connects to the substantial body mass. The heads extend outward toward their respective sides, while the bodies interlock in the center of the composition, creating a unified visual field where positive and negative space flow seamlessly. The birds' bodies are masterfully articulated through complex systems of interlocking curved forms. The entire composition pulses with visual energy created through continuous curvilinear outlining—virtually no straight lines appear in either bird form, only flowing curves that suggest organic growth, movement, and the living quality of avian bodies in flight or display. Within each bird's body, the maker has created distinct anatomical zones. The wing areas are indicated by elongated rectangular panels filled with parallel horizontal bars in varying colors—lime green, pink, yellow, and blue appliqué against black ground. These ladder-like or rib-like patterns suggest feather structure through rhythmic linear patterning. Six such panels appear total—three associated with each bird—creating visual balance while representing the layered construction of extended wings or the internal structure of the bird's body viewed through transparent rendering. The central area where the two birds meet features several nested shield-like or house-like forms rendered in concentric bands of color—purple, orange, burgundy, and white—creating depth through multiple color reveals. These geometric forms may represent the birds' vital centers, shared spiritual space, or sacred enclosures at the heart of the composition. Throughout the composition, small triangular areas filled with rainbow-colored dashed embroidery activate corners and transitions between major forms. These textured zones add visual complexity and suggest the scalloped edge quality of feathers or decorative patterning. Scattered throughout the red ground in the spaces between and around the bird forms are numerous geometric elements—nested rectangles and shield shapes in turquoise, yellow, pink, and lime green outlining. These architectural forms may represent houses, sacred enclosures, or cosmological spaces through which the birds move or which they protect through their paired guardianship. The upper register contains geometric border elements including nested rectangular forms in contrasting color sequences—one in turquoise and pink, another in yellow and orange—creating framing devices that organize and contain the powerful central imagery. The pairing of two birds in mirrored orientation is significant in Guna cosmology and broader indigenous traditions. Paired birds may represent mated pairs (many bird species mate for life and this permanence makes them symbols of fidelity and partnership), duality in balance (day/night, earth/sky, masculine/feminine principles unified), protective guardianship (two watchers providing comprehensive surveillance), or the concept of reflection and reciprocity fundamental to Guna social and spiritual life. The interlocking of the two bird bodies—rather than simply placing them side by side—demonstrates sophisticated compositional thinking. The maker has created a unified field where each bird's form flows into and around the other, suggesting interdependence, harmony, and the merging of two beings into a greater whole.. Worked on brilliant red cotton ground with three layers including black and orange interlayers. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with continuous curvilinear appliqué creating both bird forms through flowing organic lines. Three-layer reverse appliqué construction with sophisticated nested color reveals at the central meeting point. Masterful compositional control maintaining perfect bilateral symmetry while creating the illusion of two distinct creatures whose forms interweave seamlessly. Single panel on red cotton ground with black interlayer visible throughout. Black backing visible at reverse. Yellow fabric strip attached at lower edge. Minor wear consistent with age. Structural integrity excellent throughout. Colors remain exceptionally vibrant. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear consistent with age. Colors remain exceptionally vibrant. 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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