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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Mola
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Mola

Artist/Maker (Guna Yala, Panama)
Dateca. 1950
Mediumdyed cotton and thread
DimensionsOverall: 12 1/2 × 17 5/8 in. (31.8 × 44.8 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Lynne Q. Adams in memory of Candice Barrs
Terms
    Object number2009.25.2
    DescriptionThis mola depicts the importance of Guna parents teaching their children the traditions of Guna culture. The two standing figures represent parents and the figure sitting between them is their child. The extended arms of the parents may represent the act of retelling folkloric stories and myths, or providing guidance to the child, who sits and listens. The floating figure at top center symbolizes the cultural spirit of the child flying away if they do not learn the traditions or stay connected to their culture. Recent globalization of the world has introduced new customs and concepts into the Guna culture. Many boats pass through the islands trading commercialized goods and Guna children can now go to school in the metropolitan cities of Panamá. Guna elders comment that the new generations are becoming more detached from the native traditions because of their exposure to contemporary society. The theme of this mola reflects the mission of the older generation to instill the traditions of Guna culture onto their youth.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    late 1940s-mid 1950s
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    after 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    The Crucifixion
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1330-1350
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Eladia Herman
    ca. 2013
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Eladia Herman
    ca. 2013
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Double-spout Vessel
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 700-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Painted Bark Cloth (Ngatu)
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    The Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars
    Artist Unknown
    19th century
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