Williamson Auction
Live Auction

Auction 52, Are You Feeling Lucky? March 17th, 2026

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 12:00PM EDT
Lot 281

Gemini said Large Framed Panamanian Guna Mola: Stylized Avian and Marine Scene

Estimate: $250 - $450

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$150 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$4,000 $500
$15,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

This striking, vintage Guna Mola is an exceptional example of the traditional textile art form from the Guna Yala archipelago of Panama. Measuring 24 x 20 inches (including the frame), this piece features a large, central bird—likely a heron or pelican—rendered in a vibrant red base with intricate reverse-appliqué layers and fine embroidery.

The composition is densely packed and balanced, showcasing the bird holding a green sprig in its beak, flanked by two stylized fish. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, utilizing multiple layers of fabric to create bold outlines in white, yellow, and blue. The interior of the bird and fish are decorated with multi-colored circular "fill" motifs and geometric line-work, characteristic of high-quality Mola artistry. The background is activated with vertical bars of alternating colors, a traditional technique used to fill negative space and add rhythmic movement to the piece.

Professionally mounted and housed in a sleek black frame with a clean white mat, this textile is ready for display. The close-up images reveal the meticulous hand-stitching and the rich texture of the cotton fabric, highlighting the labor-intensive process behind its creation.


Product Details

  • Art Form: Guna Mola (Traditional Reverse Appliqué)

  • Origin: Guna Yala (San Blas Islands), Panama

  • Subject: Stylized Bird, Fish, and Botanical motifs

  • Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches (Framed)

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition; colors remain vivid and the fabric integrity is well-preserved.


Keywords: Panamanian Mola, Guna Yala textile, San Blas Islands art, indigenous folk art, reverse appliqué, hand-stitched embroidery, vintage textile, tribal art, central american decor, mola bird fish, colorful fiber art, framed ethnic art, collectable mola, Kuna art, handmade cotton textile.

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Shipping

For shipping assistance, we recommend contacting the following trusted professionals:

UPS Store: Phone 954-963-7134 Email store0288@theupsstore.com website

theupsstore.com/0288

Alternatively, we can provide additional recommendations for third-party shipping

services. All items will be shipped within 10 business days after payment has cleared.

Items must be picked up within 10 business days following the auction. Items not

collected within this timeframe will be placed in storage at a fee of $10.00 per item per day.