1970s Panamanian Guna Kuna Mola Toucan Reverse Appliqué Textile Art

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Description

A striking vintage Guna (Kuna) Mola textile, dating to approximately the 1970s or earlier, from Panama. This particularly detailed example … Read more A striking vintage Guna (Kuna) Mola textile, dating to approximately the 1970s or earlier, from Panama. This particularly detailed example appears to depict a pair of stylized toucans among trees, rendered in vivid layers of multicolored fabric with exceptionally fine, dense hand stitching.

Traditional Mola textiles are created through an intricate process of layering, cutting and hand stitching fabrics to form complex reverse-appliqué designs. The strong symmetry, highly detailed animal imagery and saturated palette make this an especially decorative example of Panamanian textile folk art.

The textile has been stretched and mounted on a dimensional, tiered handmade wood frame, with black fabric covering the lower tier. The unusual presentation gives the textile depth and allows the intricate design to stand out dramatically from the wall.

A wonderful piece for a collection of folk art, textile art, Latin American art or global design.

Overall dimensions: 24.5"W × 21"H × 2"D.

Excellent vintage condition. No visible stains, tears, losses or other significant wear observed. The textile remains remarkably clean and vibrant. See less