Old Vintage African Congo Kuba Raffia Applique Patchwork Textile Cloth Skirt NR

 Thirty Years of
Quality Collecting

 Condition: Very Good
Circa: 20th c.
Provenance: Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Dimensions: 87"L x 23"-24"W
Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

Available for your acquisition is this African Kuba Raffia applique patchwork cloth skirt. The condition is very good for it's age and I could only find one small stain on it which is pictured below on photo #9 (I did not try to remove it.). Please keep in mind that this textile was handmade using primitive methods, therefore, there is a slight discrepancy for the width on either end and portions between. This could be partially corrected by simple mounting or blocking methods. 

The length of this textile is on the short end for skirts and possibly ws meant for a child. The finished cloths were worn during ceremonial events, primarily of a funerary nature. They were wrapped around the waist, layer over layer, creating a voluminous appearance. After death, the cloths were also displayed on the body of the deceased during mourning, and buried with the body at the conclusion of the funeral ceremony.

 This skirt has some very subtle charactoristics that add to it's value. One end has six darker appliques then the rest of the piece and there are two wavey designed appliques which distinguish them from the others. These intentional descrepancies add to the meaning and uniqueness of this cloth and were probably decided to be incorporated by the leader of the group of individuals who made it.

Overall this Kuba Raffia skirt is visually stunning and complex in it's design. It is a work of art and would be a sophisticated addition to any vintage, contemporary, or traditional interior.

To learn more about Kuba Textiles click the link below:
Kuba Textiles: An Introduction

Due to the primitive nature of this piece and the age, my return policy will strictly apply and I suggest you examine the photos closely.