TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Kuba Raffia Textile

    Extraordinary in its design and execution, this is a multi-
    panel skirt  worn wrapped multiple times.  

    Every Kuba cloth is different. This embroidered raffia cloth
    has multiple intricate complex linear geometric designs. .
    The process of making the textile was so demanding that
    division of labor was more than essential; men did the
    weaving, women did the dying and embroidery.  Raffia,
    which comes from the raffia palm tree, is notoriously difficult
    to work with. Soaking and pounding were both used to
    soften the fibers. Each piece took months to make. Kuba
    raffia textiles were used as currency, and as ceremonial
    offerings

Ethnic Group:             
    Kuba Society

Country of Origin:          
    Congo

Material:                     
    Palm Leaf  

Deminsions:
    72" x 24"

Reference: