Lot 230
** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this lot will benefit The Fowler Museum at UCLA **
Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. mid-20th century CE. A finely crafted Mola blouse created by the Kuna Native American women artisans, most likely for an adolescent girl given its size. The front and back mola panels feature symmetrical abstract designs comprised of many layers of cotton fabric in brilliant hues of green, orange, pink, blue, yellow, red, brown, and black with a stylized floral trim of navy blue, black, and gold embroidery adorning the upper ends. The molas are sewed to an aqua blue, pink, purple, and green floral polyester bodice with full, gathered sleeves adorned with a floral embroidered trim and a pleated lower ruffle of a yellow, pink, white, green, and gold floral fabric. The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kunas moved from the mainland to the islands. In their new environment, cooler nights necessitated warmer clothing. At first, women created blouses adorned with simple applique borders, but as time went on, they increased the scale of the decorative areas until the entire front and back panels were comprised of multi-layered, quilted textile designs. This distinctive art form has evolved into a tradition of exceptionally fine needlework and meaningful symbolism. Size: blouse measures 24" L x 31" W (61 cm x 78.7 cm); molas measure 12.5" L x 13.5" W (31.8 cm x 34.3 cm)
Provenance: Ex-private Morgan collection, Santa Monica, CA
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#114797
- Condition: Seam of one side has separated a bit. Minor fraying to small section of lower ruffle. Bit of staining to upper blouse section.
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