**Originally Listed At $300**

Central America, Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna culture, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A cotton mola textile featuring an eagle insignia - the wings outstretched in a very heraldic style with an escutcheon shield with red, white, and blue stripes. The eagle is unmistakably modeled after the United States great seal, the eagle grasps 2 branches rather than arrows. The folk craft of creating molas began about 125 years ago when the Kuna people moved from the mainland to the islands, 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. The subject matter of molas expanded greatly from traditional indigenous motifs, and everything from advertisements for products, comic book characters, and current political events were captured in molas. Size of textile: 12.5" L x 14.75" W (31.8 cm x 37.5 cm); frame: 22.8" L x 24.75" W (57.9 cm x 62.9 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#175202

Some fading and discoloration to textile- stains on white areas of flag. Otherwise good condition and intact. Framed in modern times and ready to display.