Guna Mola Panel with Twin Owl 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 1970 15 × 18 inches A bold mola panel worked in 3 layers with reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery depicting two mirrored owl figures seated side by side in a symmetrical composition. Each owl displays a broad face with pointed ears, large concentric square eyes rendered in contrasting color sequences — one eye in green and red, the other in pink and red, with white centers — and a prominent beak or nose rendered as a curvilinear scroll motif at the chest. The owl faces are surrounded by radiating rows of multicolored embroidered running stitches suggesting feathered plumage. The bodies of each figure are filled with an array of curvilinear and geometric appliqué elements including paired scroll forms, wave motifs, and repeated "M"-shaped decorative units in varied color combinations. Each owl terminates in splayed clawed feet with individual toes rendered in white and black cutwork at the base. The two figures are joined at the center by a narrow vertical channel with parallel line details, creating a unified bilateral composition. Worked on brilliant red cotton ground with layers in black, green, yellow, orange, blue, pink, magenta, and white. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves, nested concentric forms around the eyes, and interlocking scroll shapes within the bodies. Elaborate embroidered running stitch details in multiple colors fill the heads and enhance the overall textural richness. Single panel on red cotton ground with black backing visible on the reverse. Small orange triangular elements at lower corners. This piece exemplifies the Guna tradition of rendering zoological subjects with stylized abstraction, transforming the owl — a creature of spiritual significance in Guna cosmology — into a powerful graphic composition of exceptional visual impact. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Colors remain 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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