Bidspirit auction | Guna Mola Panel Abstract Botanical


Guna Mola Panel Abstract Botanical - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1960s 18 × 20 inches Boldly worked reverse appliqué mola panel featuring a large central medallion of nested forms enclosing a repeating stylized tree-of-life motif — rendered as a trifurcated plant form with spreading root and canopy — flanked by five-pointed stars and radiating abstact plant florms, all set against a black ground. The composition achieves strong bilateral symmetry, with the central medallion framed by interlocking scrollwork and undulating wave borders. The surrounding field is densely packed with individually cut and stitched multicolored triangles in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and white against the black ground, creating a dazzling optical field that animates the entire surface. Repeating trifurcate tree forms extend through the outer register. Executed in two layers of crimson red and black cotton, with extensive supplemental appliqué throughout in pink, orange, yellow, blue, and green. Hand-stitching consistent throughout. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.