14-3/4 x 17-3/8 in.
The Paul and Irene Hollister Collection of Guna (formerly Kuna or Cuna) molas
Kuna Indians, San Blas Islands, Panama; purchased in 1960-1970 by Paul and Irene Hollister, Hanover, New Hampshire; given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 2008.
Among the Kuna, felines like jaguars are often portrayed as demons or supernatural beings that bring destruction. This mola depicts two beheaded figures on top of two large feline faces. Great emphasis has been placed on the long and threatening front fangs of the animals. The head of a third animal appears in the top center, between the two human figures.
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