This piece of raffia cloth is typical of that made by the Shoowa, who live south of the river, for local trade with other Kuba groups living north of the Sankuru River. Its style--lots of negative space, quick running stitches, flat square tufts--differs dramatically from what they make for their own use. It is a style that has changed remarkably little in the last 100 years. The Shoowa refer to it as "quickly made." It is sold almost as yardage and is used by the purchasers in a wide variety of ways as clothing, currency and household furnishings.
Description:
Panels such as this are woven of palm-leaf fiber Raphia vinifera and embroidered with geometric motifs. This panel has a chevron-type design in the center surrounded by a border on three sides of plaited bands with linear embroidery. Dark brown and biege cut-pile surfaces are scattered throughout.
Provenance:
Textile Arts Foundation, Washington, D.C., 1989 to 1997
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