Three Vintage Panamanian Molas - Birds

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Fauna, Flora, Stones & Bones

By Artemis Gallery

Jul 13, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-07-13 12:00:00 2021-07-13 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fauna, Flora, Stones & Bones https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fauna-flora-stones-bones-7214
Join us for a very special summer auction featuring fabulous fossils, rocks, and minerals, plus art depicting flora and fauna from antiquity to present day. This is one you won't want to miss! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna / Cuna, ca. mid-20th century CE. A wonderful trio of handmade vibrant molas that all depict tropical birds. The mola is a folk art form traditionally created by indigenous Kuna women. Each one in this group is quite colorful and comprised of several layers of fabrics; two show beautiful embroidered details as well. The example with a pair of opposing birds also demonstrates the characteristic symmetry and mazelike patterns of molas. Three charming examples of this special artform from the San Blas Islands, each one set in a frame. Size of largest (red background): 16.5" L x 20" W (41.9 cm x 50.8 cm) Size of its lucite frame: 18.25" L x 24.25" W (46.4 cm x 61.6 cm)
  
  Molas were first created 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: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000
  
  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.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  #165734

  Condition

  Colors of all three molas are still vibrant. Mola with black background: Subtle stains to black fabric border, likely from the adhesive used to mount it. Minor scuffs to that black frame. Mola is intact with nicely preserved embroidery. Mola with red background: Mola is glued to olive paper mount. Set in lucite box frame but can be removed. Mola is in very good condition save a few loose stitches. Lucite box frame has a crack and loss to one corner, but this is not visible from the front. The front face shows normal scuffs and scratches. Double bird mola has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be very good. Colors are vibrant. Nice embroidered details. Normal fraying to peripheries. A few scuffs to the frame.
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