Description:

**Previously Listed At $75**

Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. A beautiful mola featuring a sweet turtle with its legs emerging from its shell superimposed upon a large butterfly or crested bird with outspread wings. The mola is comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues of azure blue, royal blue, brick red, golden yellow, kelly green, pink, purple, white, and black - and is further adorned with fine yellow embroidery as well as black and orange top-stitching. 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 animorphic iconography. Size: 15" L x 17.5" W (38.1 cm x 44.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private LA County collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116506

  • Condition: Overall excellent. Basting on periphery.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 24, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000