Bidspirit auction | Guna Politcal Mola Blouse 1969

Guna Politcal Mola Blouse 1969 - Panama (Guna Yala), circa January 1969 13 × 18 inches (2 mola panels) An exceptional complete traditional blouse featuring matched front and back mola panels worked in three layers of reverse appliqué and applique. The bold composition displays 1969 in dramatic echoed numerals filling the entire field with dense, interlocking forms. The yoke is created with US Military Insignia printed fabric. This integration of Western military symbols with traditional Guna textile art represents a political statement. Dense, fully filled composition demonstrating strong technical control. The numerical and geometric design shows sophisticated cutwork with complex curves and nested forms. Complete wearable blouse with drawstring neckline. Evidence of use with minor wear consistent with age. This piece exemplifies the politicization of mola art during a transformative period in Panamanian history, combining traditional textile techniques with contemporary protest imagery. Similar MOLA on page 252 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection THIS MOLA HAS MACHINE STITCHING.