Lot 313F
Central America, Panama, San Blas islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. mid-20th century. An exceptional example of this highly developed folk art form, coming from the world's finest collection of molas. A large, multi-layered textile depicting a touching maternal scene among our feathered friends. Vibrant tropical flora and fauna of the islands has served as the main source of indigenous iconography, and magnificent birds are most adored by the Kuna. Here we see a large water bird catching a fish, presumably to feed her hungry baby sheltered beneath her outspread wings. All is presented in fabrics and stitching of a marvelous variety of hues; red, blue, green, orange, aqua, pink, yellow, and black. Surrounded by lush emerald green trees and foliage in the jungles, sapphire blue skies, and the cool teal ocean, Kuna women have traditionally taken their cues from the symphony of bright colors found in nature. Size: 19-1/4" x 16-1/2"
We are honored to present a selection of molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text from a debut exhibition of Kuna Molas from the Kit Kapp collection, "Between 1963 and 1971, Kitt Kapp and his wife Valerie conducted over 35 expeditions of the San Blas Islands, as well as remote Kuna villages in Colombia and along the Bayano River in the Darien Peninsula of Panama. Kit's book, Mola Art of the San Blas Islands, was one of the first publications to treat molas as an art form." (Molas from the Collection of Kit Kapp," by Tom Hannaher, 2008)
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-Kit Kapp collection formed in the very early 1970's. Mr. Katt acquired the world's largest and best documented collection of Molas, with numerous examples being published. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #110160
- Condition: Intact with minor fading.
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