**Originally Listed At $100**

Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna / Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. A pair of 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. The first one is comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues of green, orange, yellow, pink, royal blue, aqua blue, purple, burgundy, and black. The iconography is quite magical, featuring five birds in profile, the largest in the center surrounded by the other four, all surrounded by wonderfully colorful geometric patterns. The added embroidered stitchery is quite impressive. The second mola features a large peccary in profile comprised of many layers of fabric in burgundy, black, orange, royal blue, lavendar, aqua blue, green, and white hues. This example also features added decorative stitching adorning the face. Size: 12.25" L x 16.75" W (31.1 cm x 42.5 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 Los Angeles County, CA collection

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#116508

Minor fraying at peripheries. Else intact and excellent.