Artwork Page for Basket Mola Panel (Garba Mor)

Details / Information for Basket Mola Panel (Garba Mor)

Basket Mola Panel (Garba Mor)

c. 1950–70

Republic of Panamá, Gunayala Comarca, Guna people, Urgandi community

Medium
cotton: reverse appliqué, appliqué, embroidery
Measurements
Overall: 32.5 x 39 cm (12 13/16 x 15 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. F. Louis Hoover 1971.211
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
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Description

Among the most abstract mola designs are those based on men’s basketry, like these examples. The rhythmic, meandering lines produce effects that sometimes make the pattern shift under the viewer’s gaze. These technical marvels require extreme precision, particularly in cutting long, uninterrupted slits in the upper layer (or layers) of cloth.
A horizontally rectangular cotton textile panel features an intricate pattern of interlocking angular paths created through reverse appliqué. Jagged, maze-like lines in vibrant green, pink, and orange are layered against a deep red background, defined by thin black outlines. Decorative zigzag stitches trace the fabric edges throughout. Tiny embroidered motifs in white, green, and orange cluster along the bottom edge, providing a subtle contrast to the primary bold geometric design.

Basket Mola Panel (Garba Mor)

c. 1950–70

Republic of Panamá, Gunayala Comarca, Guna people, Urgandi community

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