Kuba Cloth 018

The Kuba people of central Congo are highly regarded for their raphia work, weaving 'dance skirts' on single-heddle looms. The panels are individually woven, they are decorated with different techniques; embroidery, appliqué patchwork, drawn-thread work with cowrie shells and bobbles, then sewn together to form one longer piece of cloth, always hemmed and naturally dyed.

These ceremonial long wrap-over skirts are worn by both men and women where the patterns differ for each sex. This particular piece is a woman's skirt from the sub-tribe 'Bushoong', featuring drawn thread and needle-weaving details with cowrie shells and black-dyed raphia thread on the edges, a complex and detailed piece. 

This antique and collectable piece is in good condition, a complete skirt.

Measures 89 x 450cm.