**Originally Listed At $75**

Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. A beautiful mola featuring a four abstract animorphic or seashell forms. The mola is comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues of aqua blue, royal blue, pink, golden yellow, orange, lime green, red, white, and black - and is further adorned with fine green embroidered circular and linear motifs. 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. A wonderfully crafted example created by the Kuna Native American women artisans with intriguing animorphic iconography. Size: 11.25" L x 15.5" W (28.6 cm x 39.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Private LA County collection

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#116509

Intact and excellent.