Raffia Textile Panel - Kuba (Bashoong) peoples, DRC, Africa (4)

Description

Raffia Textile Panel - Kuba (Bashoong) peoples, DRC, Africa (4)
To western eyes, the cloths are simultaneously bold and intricate, dramatic and subdued, irregular and ordered, as well as asymmetrical and balanced.  In all cases they are visually engaging and full of surprises.
Kuba cloth / textiles are woven from the fibers of the “Raphia Vinifera” Palm.
Production of such textiles is a multiple stage process which involves the participation of children, men and women of the
sam
e
clan
;
1).  The process includes gathering and preparing the raffia fibers for weaving and embroidery, weaving the basic cloth unit, dyeing the embroidery fibers, and embellishing the woven cloth with embroidery,
applique
, patchwork and dye.
2).  After the fibers are gathered and stripped by hand or with the aid of a stripping comb, the basic cloth unit is produced by men on a single heddle loom.  Such single heddle looms were commonly used by the Kuba peoples throughout the Zaire River Basin.
3).  To keep the cloth / textile from unraveling, each panel is trimmed, and the edges hemmed or joined to another panel.  After weaving, the cloth (or panels) are often dyed, and softened by repeated wetting and pounding with the use of a mortar.
4).  Three types of "fashion design finishing" use; men's and women's daily attire, ceremonial events and funerary events.  They are wrapped around the waist - layer over layer - creating a loose and spacious appearance.
During funerary and death, panels / cloths are displayed on the body of the deceased during mourning, and also buried with the body.
5).  Embroidery, applique, patchwork and dying techniques are used on finished raffia panels (cloths).
Great for décor design ideas - wall displays - mounted and framed.
Worn by women exclusively.
Condition:
(see photos)
·
Measures approximately 66 inches long x 32 inches wide.
·
Age; an older cloth.
20th century, possibly (1940s era).
·
Worn areas.  Many areas with loose stitching around the border panels.
·
Exceptional woven raffia panels, with cotton stitching on the trim edges.  Earthen pigment dyes.
·
Fragment from a larger skirt.
·
Over-all good condition for it's age and use.
International buyers, shipping costs will be higher.