**Originally Listed At $75**

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 green, orange, pink, blue, yellow, red, and black. The iconography is quite intriguing, comprised of a pair of digging shovels, each one labeled with the letters "PA" and "LA" which when brought together read as "PALA" (Spanish for shovel). Size: 13.5" L x 18.5" W (34.3 cm x 47 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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116513

A bit of fraying at peripheries and minor fading as expected, but overall quite excellent.