Guna Mola Panel with Spiritual Figure, Paired Birds, and Anchors

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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 15.5 × 20 inches A remarkable mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting a complex spiritual composition reflecting Guna cosmological imagery with Christian influence. The central figure stands with outstretched arms upon a cross-shaped pedestal, rendered with a striped head, embroidered facial features, and a multicolored fringed garment at the waist. The figure's body is densely worked with embroidered dot and dash patterns in multiple colors. The letters "CTO" appear above the figure in teal and orange appliqué. Two large birds in profile flank the central form, facing inward, each with a round eye, curved beak, and bodies filled with multicolored vertical striped bars. Two anchor forms with looped tops and arrow-pointed flukes occupy the lower corners, one outlined in tan and the other in light blue, each with embroidered cross-stitch details at the rings. The surrounding field is densely filled with rows of multicolored vertical bars in green, white, pink, yellow, orange, blue, and teal against the red ground. This composition reflects the syncretic integration of Christian missionary imagery into traditional Guna spiritual frameworks, where biblical narratives were absorbed and reinterpreted through indigenous cosmological structures without displacing traditional beliefs. A decorative printed fabric border with hearts and floral motifs edges the top, with a green rickrack trim below, and a blue cotton border along the bottom. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition demonstrating strong compositional control and balanced symmetry. Single panel on red cotton ground with blue backing visible. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor fading and wear consistent with age, as well as, a visible small tear near left anchor. 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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