Threads of Time: Tradition and Change in Indigenous American Textiles
Dulemola (Blouse Panel) with Fish Among Coral Reef
Title
Dulemola (Blouse Panel) with Fish Among Coral Reef
Description
Some images of the coral reef may be as illusionistic as this, showing how the same subject has many interpretations by different artists. Gracefully swimming fish, a seahorse, and a hermit crab appear very lifelike. The artist has even foreshortened the large fish in the lower right corner to show it swimming out from a bunch of coral. Like others, Guna artists experiment with styles they see in global culture. This openness to a wide range of inspiration for textiles is actually true of many indigenous American peoples, contrary to a stereotype of "traditional" conservatism. They also seek to fulfill tourist expectations, and many U.S. and European travelers come from artistic traditions that value naturalism.
Geographic Area
Central America, Guna Yala (San Blas Islands/North Coast of Panamá)
Culture
Guna
Date
20th century
Materials
Cotton
Credit Line
Anonymous loan
Accession Number
L2014.11.11
Photo Credit
Photo by Michael McKelvey, 2017