Double Panel Finely Made Vintage Kuna Mola with Figures in Helicopter

Regular price $80.00

This is one of the most wonderful Kuna Mola I have seen--picked from among a large collection of them from an artist and gallerist who dealt in them. I believe the form is of a helicopter--spinning propeller at top, and wheels below---with windows through which we glimpse these wonderful seated, hatted figures--two in profile on the left panel, three face-front on the right--and then that little standing one (preparing to jump?), with all over embroidery that reads like tears streaming down his front. 

From what I understand, Mola panels were historically made in groups of two, to be incorporated as front and back panels of a Kuna woman's blouse. Rooted in a tradition of body painting, about 150-170 years ago Kuna women of Panama began making Molas using the reverse appliqué technique. This pair I believe dates to the 1960s, and are of a very high quality--measured by the number of layers of layers of fabric and quality of stitching. The fabric and stretching around the edges indicate that these molas were made for use, and not simply for the tourist market. 

These would be terrific framed, but would also make a fantastic pillow. Each panel measures 16" x 14 1/2". They are in very good condition--if perhaps a bit faded with age, still very vivid and just really wonderful.