Bidspirit auction | Guna Mola Panel with Abstract

Guna Mola Panel with Abstract Elements and Birds - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 15.5 × 19 inches A dynamic mola panel worked in two layers of reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery featuring bold abstract angular forms on a black cotton ground. Large V-shaped and chevron elements outlined in red with sawtooth-edged inner channels fill the composition, each containing a different color — pink, blue, yellow, lavender, peach, teal, green, and white — creating a vibrant, interlocking field. Small stylized birds in appliqué are positioned at the intersections of the abstract forms, anchoring the composition. Additional figurative elements include a bird with outstretched wings and a seated animal figure with horizontal stripe patterning, worked in appliqué with orange and green outlines. Scattered geometric fills and small bird forms occupy the remaining spaces between the angular channels. A Greek key meander border band in multicolored reverse appliqué runs along one edge, with a yellow handwoven cotton yoke above. Fine hand-stitching throughout with consistent stitch density. The fully filled composition demonstrates sophisticated cutwork with sharp angular forms and tight sawtooth detailing along the edges. Single panel on black cotton ground with red cotton backing. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection