Guna Political Mola Panel Commemorating the Sociedad Ayuda Mutua of Río Tigre

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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 14 × 19 inches A significant political mola panel worked in three layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery commemorating the founding or an important gathering of the "Sociedad Ayuda Mutua" (Mutual Aid Society) of Río Tigre on December 24, 1970. Text bands across the top read "SOCIEDAD AYUDA" and "MUTUA" in bold multicolored appliqué letters, while "RIO TIGRE" appears prominently across the bottom register, identifying the Guna community associated with this organization. A large central oval medallion contains the inscription "DIA 24 DICIEMBRE DE 1970" surrounding two crossed axes rendered in black with blue handles and a yellow diagonal staff, flanked by two flags — one bearing blue and white elements. The crossed axes and flags likely represent the society's emblem, symbolizing collective labor and mutual cooperation. The date — Christmas Eve 1970 — suggests a founding ceremony or significant assembly timed to coincide with a major holiday gathering. Two stylized jaguars or tigers flank the central medallion in dynamic rearing poses, their bodies outlined in teal and yellow against the red ground. Each figure features an embroidered face with concentric circles around a prominent eye, open mouth showing white teeth, and clawed feet. The choice of feline figures directly references "Río Tigre" (Tiger River), the community's name, serving as heraldic supporters for the society's emblem. The surrounding field is filled with scattered multicolored dash elements and geometric forms — arrowheads, rectangles, and letter-like shapes — creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. Mutual aid societies (sociedades de ayuda mutua) were important community organizations throughout Latin America and within Guna Yala, providing collective support for members through shared resources, labor cooperation, and social solidarity. This mola documents the formal civic life of the Guna community, demonstrating how traditional textile art served as a medium for recording and celebrating political and social institutions. As characteristic of Guna textile tradition, all text is rendered from memory with phonetic spelling and stylistic interpretation. Worked on vibrant red cotton ground with layers in teal, yellow, and charcoal. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. Dense composition with multicolored appliqué lettering and embroidered details throughout the figural elements. Single panel on red cotton ground with red backing visible. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection

  Condition

  Minor wear 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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