Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. A finely crafted example of this folk art form created by the Kuna Native American women artisans and from the world's finest collection of molas. Comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues of lime green, kelly green, orange, red-orange, pink, blue, lavendar, yellow, sky blue, and black. The iconography includes a pair of lobsters, each one replete with pincher claws, antennae, a the body shell nicely delineated, legs, and tail. Colorful stitchery adds lovely details to the composition. Size: 15.5" L x 17.5" W (39.4 cm x 44.4 cm)

The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kunas moved from the mainland to the islands. In their new environment, cooler nights necessitated warmer clothing. At first, women created blouses adorned with simple applique borders, but as time went on, they increased the scale of the decorative areas until the entire front and back panels were comprised of multi-layered, quilted textile designs. This distinctive art form has evolved into a tradition of exceptionally fine needlework and meaningful symbolism.

Provenance: Ex - Private LA County collection

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#116507

Minor fraying to peripheries. Else intact and excellent.