Panel From Ceremonial Skirt

Date20th century

GeographyDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

MediumRaffia palm fiber, plain weave, appliqué, embroidery The contrast between the textured, cut-pile embroidered tufted areas and the flat, linear patterning, affects the dimensionality of the textile and dramatically alters the visual perception of positive/negative spaces. The consistent interplay between dark/light, flat/raised, wide/narrow, solid/ linear, as well as a strong preference for the diagonal, is typical of the Kuba style. The masterful manipulation of interlacing and interlocking shapes and patterns are standard geometric figurations for all forms of decorations that extend throughout the culture which include body scarification, stools, backrests, pipes and drums as well as the woven walls of palaces and houses.

Dimensions63.5 x 78.7 cm (25 x 31 in.)

ClassificationsTextile

Credit LinePurchase, 1986 (5653.1)

Object number5653.1

DescriptionSimple shapes of brown plain-weave fabric are appliqued in a scattered pattern across a cream-colored raffia ground. Squares, circles, ovals and V-forms predominate at one end, loosely plaited 1-inch strips dominate the other end. The forms are attached with two rows of straight stitches approximately 1/8” apart. Lengthwise selvages are folded under and the edge stitched down 1/4” from the edge; end selvages are stitched 1 3/4” from the edge. The entire piece is joined 8” from one end with straight stitches on the back side.

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