Guna Mola Panel with Twin Bat Figures

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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 striking mola panel worked in 3 layers with reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting two stacked bat figures (murciélago) with outstretched wings, humanoid faces with pointed ears and bared teeth, and heart pendants at the chest. The composition is framed by text bands reading "MURCIELAGO" (meaning Bat) and "MURCIEL MUTIKIT" in the lower register, with "SOCHE MUTIKIT" and "ZOCHE MNT IKIT" flanking each figure — the Spanish and Guna (Dulegaya) names for the bat rendered together. The word "USIL" appears at upper right. A Greek key border runs along the top edge. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, the lettering is rendered from memory with variations in form, spacing, and color, reflecting the maker's visual interpretation of bilingual vocabulary associated with this culturally significant creature. The bat holds deep importance in Guna cosmology and oral tradition. Worked on brilliant red cotton ground with layers in black, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, and pink. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves around the figural wings, nested forms in the letter panels, and embroidered fill details including dot patterns and parallel hash marks across the background field. Strong bilateral symmetry with precise compositional control across both figures. Single panel on red cotton ground with black reverse. This piece demonstrates the Guna practice of documenting natural history through bilingual labeling within traditional textile art, combining zoological subject matter with spiritual iconography. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Evidence of use with minor wear consistent with age. Loss of reverse fabric in one area, see photos. 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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