Bidspirit auction | Guna Mola Panel The Crucifixion

Guna Mola Panel The Crucifixion - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 17 × 20 inches Exceptionally iconographically significant reverse appliqué, appliqué, and embroidery mola panel depicting the Crucifixion in the Guna visual tradition. Christ is rendered at center on a multi-outlined cross inscribed ”INRI,” his figure worked in pink appliqué with embroidered wounds and crown of thorns, dressed in a blue-striped loincloth with embroidered fringe at the feet. Flanking the base of the cross, 4 attendant figures raise ceremonial objects overhead. Two winged spirit figures occupy either side of the upper cross. Two chalice forms appear symmetrically in the upper field. The entire ground is densely filled with multicolored cross and triangle motifs, creating a charged sacred field. Consistent hand-stitching and embroidered figural detail throughout. A notable example of Catholic and Guna spiritual syncretism. Worked in three layers of red, black, teal, blue, yellow, orange, and pink cotton. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.