Kuba Raffia and Cloth Textile

The art of the Kuba of Zaire, which ranges from pipes to drinking cups, metal weapons to basketry and furniture to textiles, is remarkable for its’ exploration of abstract patterning. The Kuba’s primary contemporary use of the cloth is at important funeral celebrations of wealthy elders which is why the traditional techniques used to produce the cloth have survived; such events are held in high regard. Thus we continue to have an inspiring glimpse of the extraordinary creative talents of the Kuba textile designers. Until it was replaced by cowry shells, the basic unit of Kuba cloth, the Mbal, was used as currency as well as background for the cut-pile embroidery done exclusively by women. Once the background Kuba cloth is woven and dyed, a job designated solely for men. Color for the raffia threads are produced from local plant dyes. The detailed center section of this cloth has been interestingly composed of woven raffia that is usually reserved for matting. The decision to use this special technique has resulted in a unique cloth and one that is extremely durable.

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Dimensions: 13 feet 4 inches long x 24 inches across.