Guna Mola Panel with Zoomorphic Spirit Figure

About Auction

Live

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

View Full Catalog (202)

• Lot Description
  Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 15.75 × 17.25 inches A striking mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring a single large zoomorphic figure that dominates the composition, distinguished by a rare upper border band containing multicolored text or symbolic letter forms. This piece exemplifies the Guna practice of incorporating observed Western typography into traditional design vocabulary, creating a hybrid visual language that documents cultural contact while maintaining indigenous aesthetic principles. The upper border presents a continuous band of letter-like forms in yellow, pink, and red against black ground, bounded by orange edging. While the sequence does not form legible words, the letters possibly reference product packaging, signage, or printed materials encountered through trade and tourism. This decorative use of alphabet forms as pattern elements demonstrates the Guna artistic practice of transforming foreign visual systems into ornamental motifs. The central composition presents a single large composite zoomorphic figure that fills the entire panel, its body articulated through multiple geometric sections that interlock to create a unified creature. This sophisticated design approach—where one animal's body is composed of distinct colored segments with varying internal patterns—represents an advanced conceptual and technical achievement in mola construction. The creature's head appears at upper center, rendered as an elongated vertical form with horizontal rainbow striping in purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and white bands against black ground, framed in light green with orange border. This segmented, columnar form suggests a stylized neck or head with abstract features.. Flanking elements at left and right may represent the creature's limbs or spiritual emanations. At upper left, a vessel or chalice-like form with projecting elements suggests a forelimb or symbolic attribute. At upper right, a similar geometric form containing a black cross or plus symbol may represent another limb or a Christian symbol integrated into the creature's spiritual identity. Throughout the composition, the burgundy-red ground is activated with vertical dashed embroidery lines in blue, yellow, white, and pink, creating rhythmic texture that suggests rainfall, spiritual energy, or the fabric of the cosmos. These linear elements occur in clusters throughout the figure's body, integrating all parts into a unified energetic field. This interpretive approach—presenting a single creature through multiple discrete geometric sections, each with its own color palette and patterning—demonstrates sophisticated design thinking. The creature may represent a composite spiritual being, a mythological animal, or a transformed entity, with each body section signifying different attributes or powers. The piece demonstrates exceptional technical control in its execution of complex curves, tight corner work, and precise layer reveals. The reverse shows the sophisticated underpinnings of the multi-layer construction, with careful fold-under work and consistent stitch density visible throughout. This mola represents a fascinating moment in Guna textile evolution when makers were actively processing and integrating new visual information from increased contact with Western culture, transforming letters, words, and foreign iconography into decorative elements that served traditional aesthetic and possibly spiritual functions. Worked on burgundy-red cotton ground with layers in black and additional appliqué elements. Exceptionally fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density along all curved edges. Three-layer reverse appliqué construction with sophisticated color sequencing. Strong compositional control with unified figure filling entire field. Upper border on light blue printed cotton backing with decorative motifs. Single panel on burgundy cotton ground with black interlayer visible throughout. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear consistent with age and some fading. 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.

• Payment & Auction Policies

  • Available payment options

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    Thank you for Bidding with Dana Auctions. Please note, your credit card on file will be charged in 72 hours if you have not initiated payment. Contact our office at 732-221-3560 if you would like to pay with an alternate method, or if you would like to schedule a pick up in our Princeton, NJ location.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 23.00 %