Description:

Central America, Panama, Kuna, ca. 1950s to 1960s CE. A nice pair of colorful molas, the larger depicting a stylized monster or perhaps saurian figure, comprised of several layers of red, golden yellow, and red-orange fabrics, adorned with purple, lime green, and forest green embroidery. The smaller example depicts a pair of turtles decorated with crosses on their backs, surrounded by geometric motifs; the piece is comprised of many layers of red, pink, pale blue, royal blue, yellow, orange, green, and black fabrics. Sizes: 19-3/4" x 15-1/4"and 16" x 10-3/4"

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.

Provenance: Ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico collection.

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#110066

  • Condition: Slightly faded, the smaller example with a tiny, nearly invisible hole on one of the turtles

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November 5, 2015 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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