Bidspirit auction | Guna Mola Blouse Turtles and

Guna Mola Blouse Turtles and Other Creatures - Panama (Guna Yala), circa 1970s 15.75 x 15 inches A traditional Guna woman's blouse with two mola panels (front and back), worked in 3 layers of hand reverse applique, applique, and hand embroidery with rickrack trim. The blouse has a navy, yellow, and turquoise floral printed cotton yoke and puffed sleeves, an orange neck binding with a metal zipper closure, and a navy hem band. On the front panel, four turtles are arranged in two rows, all facing the same direction, each with a domed shell striped in multicolored bands, extended neck, and four legs. Marine life is a frequent subject in Guna molas, reflecting the island and coastal setting of Guna Yala. On the back panel, four long-necked creatures with humped, striped bodies and a row of many short legs face inward in pairs around a central blue cross-shaped motif. Geometric block motifs fill the surrounding ground, framing the figures in a balanced, symmetrical composition.