Guna Mola Panel with Twin Portrait Medallions

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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 × 19 inches A striking mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring two mirrored portrait heads enclosed within elaborate oval medallions, flanked by bold geometric key-pattern forms. Text at center top reads "MIRO MI MRORIP," the maker's rendering from memory of the Spanish phrase "Miro Mi" ("I look at my" or "I see my"), likely referencing the act of looking at oneself — a fitting inscription given the mirror-like portrait forms that dominate the composition. Each portrait is rendered facing forward, with detailed embroidered features including eyes, nose, lips, and elaborate hairstyles depicted through concentric rows of multicolored embroidery stitches radiating outward from the face. The portraits are framed within oval medallions defined by concentric bands in yellow, green, and black, encircled by a white zigzag border suggesting a scalloped or ornamental frame edge. Yellow dash elements crown the top of each medallion. The effect strongly evokes hand mirrors or portrait lockets — Western decorative objects the maker likely observed through trade, travel, or print media. The pairing of the self-referential text with mirror-form portraits suggests the maker's commentary on personal adornment and self-reflection. Between the two medallions, a central leaf or shield form in blue and pink creates a focal point, while small fan-shaped elements flank each portrait. The upper and lower registers are densely filled with bold geometric maze and key-pattern motifs in contrasting colors — white, pink, yellow, blue, red, and green — creating a dynamic frame that energizes the composition. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, the text is rendered from memory with phonetic spelling and stylistic interpretation, reflecting the maker's visual translation of Spanish language and observed objects into the conventions of mola art. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with layers in charcoal, green, and orange. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense, fully filled composition with sophisticated cutwork featuring complex curves within the medallion forms and precise geometric patterns in the surrounding field. Elaborate embroidered details enhance the portrait faces with multicolored running stitches. Single panel on red cotton ground with black backing visible. 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.
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