Bidspirit auction | Guna Mola Panel With Crucifixion

Guna Mola Panel With Crucifixion of Christ - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 16 × 20 inches Exceptionally worked reverse appliqué mola panel depicting the Crucifixion, with a large central cross inscribed ”INRI” bearing a densely stitched figure of Christ with embroidered brown hair and a pink radiate halo. The surrounding cross form is outlined in concentric multicolored bands against an orange field. The lower register presents a richly symbolic Passion program: a coiled serpent with a face at center bottom, a lamb at left, a skull and stars at lower left, a chalice at lower center, and Passion instruments including a hammer and lance at lower right. The upper border and corners are saturated throughout with polychrome X-cross forms within framed cartouches. Executed in three layers of red, orange, and black cotton with extensive applied appliqué passages and polychrome embroidery throughout. A similar photo of this mola can be found on page 142 of MOLAS Folk Art of the Cuna Indians by Parker and Neal. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.