Bidspirit auction | Pair of Guna Mola Panels

Pair of Guna Mola Panels US Military Airborne Insignia - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1960s–1970s 15 x 16.5 inches (each panel) Matched pair of reverse appliqué mola panels depicting a Guna interpretation of U.S. military ”Airborne” insignia, executed in three layers of black, red, and orange cotton with extensive appliqué and hand embroidery throughout. Each panel features two large shield-form cartouches inscribed ”AIRBORNE” in polychrome appliquéd letters, containing horizontal bars in vivid colors. Small spread-winged eagles appear between and below the shields. The background is densely filled with polychrome linear stitching. A striking example of Guna artistic engagement with the U.S. military presence in the Panama Canal Zone. Provenance: From the Parker & Neal Collection.