Double Panel Finely Made Vintage Kuna Mola with Figures in Helicopter antique treenware This dark green painted bentwood

This dark green painted bentwood box features finely rendered flying gold-painted cranes or herons amid curling lines evocative of clouds or water

are both signed I-J

There are eleven in this group

most likely made by a Nunamiut mask maker from the Anaktuvuk Pass--though I am not 100% certain

Double Panel Finely Made Vintage Kuna Mola with Figures in Helicopter antique treenware This dark green painted bentwoodThis is one of the most wonderful Kuna Mola I have seen picked from among a large collection of them from an artist and gallerist who dealt in them. I believe the form is of a helicopter spinning propeller at top, and wheels below with windows through which we glimpse these wonderful seated, hatted figures two in profile on the left panel, three face front on the right and then that little standing one (preparing to jump?), with all over embroidery