Kuba Cloth 001

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 and then sewn together to form one longer piece of cloth, always hemmed and naturally dyed.  

These long wrap-over skirts are worn by both men and women at dance ceremonies, but the patterns differ for each sex. This particular piece is a woman's skirt from the sub-tribe 'Bushoong', complex symbolic patterns are embroidered with black-dyed raphia thread. 

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

Measuring 70cm wide x 540cm long.