Panama, San Blas Islands, Kuna/Cuna, ca. 1950 CE. Five molas from the reputable Kitt Kapp collection, all displaying exceptional technique, replete with meticulously cut and stitched designs as well as embroidered details, each one comprised of many layers of fabric in brilliant hues. The ensemble presents a wide range of magical iconography, including: 3 birds cleverly interspersed with snake/reptilian creatures; symmetrically arranged cats delineated with angular limbs and expressive whiskered faces; a pair of candelabra-like forms; 5 cross-wearing worshippers/priests with hands raised in orant gestures; finally, 3 avian /anthropomorphic figures, the central, largest one with meticulously delineated wings, a crowned abstract visage, and cross-adorned hands, flanked by a pair of anthropomorphic beings with bird beaks/noses, standing in profile toward central figure. The text is legible in part (A WINOLA MOLA) but also somewhat difficult to decipher (mola makers often practiced their letters on molas). Size: largest measures 16" L x 20" H (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

We are honored to present these molas from the important Kit Kapp collection. According to Tom Hannaher in his text associated with the 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 Colorado USA collection acquired in Santa Fe, New Mexico USA

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#124379

Molas have labels on verso with Kit Kapp inventory numbers. Candelabra mola shows some fading and areas of staining. Mola with orant (also orans or orante) figures shows an old repair to rightmost pink detail above bottom left figure's left hand. Some with minor fraying to peripheries, but the group is in overall excellent condition.