Long Central African Kuba Cloth. Made up of five distinct strips, with the outer two similar designs and the middle piece darker with a T-shape top. 

Size: 61 1/2 x 29 in. 

Kuba textiles are a type of raffia cloth unique to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, noted for their elaborate and complex designs and surface decorations. Most textiles are a variation on rectangular or square pieces of woven palm leaf fiber enhanced by geometric patterns executed in linear embroidery and other stitches, which are cut to form pile surfaces resembling velvet. Traditionally, men weave the raffia cloth, and women are responsible for transforming it into various forms of textiles, including ceremonial skirts, ‘velvet’ tribute cloths, headdresses and basketry. Particularly in the face of modernization and continual encroachment on the ancient Kuba way of life, they deem their textiles to be one of their finest expressions of art, and many pieces are sold for high value, prized for their intricacy, stitching, longevity, and much more.

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.