Guna Mola Panel with Spirit Figure and Zoomorphic Iconography

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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 1960s-1970s 14 × 17 inches A powerfully composed mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a central spirit figure surrounded by stylized birds and multiple zoomorphic forms. The composition presents a dominant mask-like face with pronounced features at center, flanked by bird figures and abstract animal forms, creating a densely filled symbolic tableau that demonstrates sophisticated iconographic complexity. The central spirit face is rendered with bold white appliqué eyes, a prominent red nose, and exposed white teeth suggesting supernatural or shamanic associations. Yellow spiral elements flank the eyes, possibly representing spiritual vision or power. The face is outlined with concentric layers in green and red, creating depth through color revelation. Surrounding this central figure are multiple interlocking forms including stylized birds at upper right with multicolored striped wings, smaller zoomorphic creatures with eyes and teeth at lower left and lower right corners, and abstract serpentine or skeletal forms creating visual movement throughout the composition. The field is fully activated with no negative space, featuring intricate cutwork with complex curves, nested shapes, and deliberate color sequencing. Decorative embroidered accents including purple zigzag stitching and multicolored running stitches in yellow, white, pink, and blue add surface texture and rhythmic detail. Short vertical line elements in various colors are scattered throughout, creating visual texture against the black ground. This piece exemplifies traditional Guna symbolic representation, likely depicting spiritual or mythological narrative content with multiple interacting figures rather than static decorative motifs. The masterful integration of numerous forms into a balanced, symmetrical composition demonstrates advanced artistic control. Worked on black cotton ground with layers in red, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and white. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with tight, consistent stitch density. Complex curved cutwork and sophisticated multi-layer color reveals. Strong compositional balance despite dense figuration. Single panel on black cotton ground with red cotton backing visible. This piece exemplifies the narrative and spiritual dimensions of traditional Guna textile art, with exceptional technical execution and iconographic richness. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear 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

  • In House Shipping is available and we will combine for economy. We will charge a $5 per additional lot within the same box. All items are shipped with Insurance. In person pick up is also available in our Princeton, NJ Auction Facility.

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