Lot 118B
Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. Four strong examples of this folk art form created by the Kuna Native American women artisans from the reputable Kitt Kapp collection. These molas demonstrate exceptional technique, replete with a meticulously cut and stitched design, two with embroidered details as well, all comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues, a virtual rainbow of color! The iconography of each one is truly mesmerizing: six eagles symmetrically placed; four zoomorphic creatures; four abstract flowering trees; and finally the most complex including a pair of birds/chickens joined by an arching connection surrounded by various zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures. Four wonderful molas, replete with the superb artistry and technique. Size: largest measures 17" L x 22" W (43.2 cm x 55.9 cm)
We are honored to present these molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text from a debut exhibition of Kuna Molas from the Kit Kapp collection, "Between 1963 and 1971, Kitt Kapp and his wife Valerie conducted over 35 expeditions of the San Blas Islands, as well as remote Kuna villages in Colombia and along the Bayano River in the Darien Peninsula of Panama. Kit's book, Mola Art of the San Blas Islands, was one of the first publications to treat molas as an art form." (Molas from the Collection of Kit Kapp," by Tom Hannaher, 2008)
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: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA, collection, Ex Kitt Kapp
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#124437
- Condition: Some minor fading and fraying to peripheries commensurate with age. One (stylized flowering trees) with a small repair on the verso. All with old Kitt Kapp inventory labels on the backs.
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