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Panel, 20th century
Kuba peoples
Geographic Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Handwoven raffia cloth
Mount: 21 7/16 x 21 1/16 inches (54.45 x 53.5 cm)
Gift of Fifi White, 2000.28.3
Location: Not on view
Kuba men tightly weave raffia palm fiber into fabric that women embroider with intricate geometric designs. Once the pattern is completed, the women trim the embroidery threads close to the textile’s surface using a small knife. This method, known as the cut-pile technique, gives the textile a velvety texture and appearance.
Incredibly time-consuming to produce, cut-pile textiles signify wealth and prestige and are frequently buried with high-ranking society members. Kuba artists also sew the panels together to make clothing for special occasions.
