Lot 331
**Originally Listed At $150**
Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. A beautiful mola featuring an interesting interpretation of the Cinderella story. The composition includes a woman flanked by a pair of oversized brooms (note that she holds one in her right hand) and two "wicked stepsisters" in the upper corners, both lifting one arm as if dictating orders to our Panamanian Cinderella. Below her is a pink blossoming flower, perhaps signifying her inner beauty, and above her are a pair of abstract birds perhaps signifying her future transformation. The mola is comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues of aqua blue, royal blue, pink, golden yellow, scarlet, orange, lime green, kelly green, white, and black - and is further adorned with embroidered details. A special example! Size: 16.625" W x 11.5" H (42.2 cm x 29.2 cm); 21" W x 16.5" H (53.3 cm x 41.9 cm) framed
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. A wonderfully crafted example created by the Kuna Native American women artisans with intriguing iconography.
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in 2019
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#151828
- Condition: Expected age wear with minor areas of fading, although the colors are for the most part still vivid and the imagery and composition are delightful. Label on verso gallery paper from Old Town Gallery, Colorado Springs, Jeanie Sharon Director. Only slight wear to framing and a few minor tears to gallery paper on verso. Wired for suspension and ready to hang.
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