Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba, ca. mid-20th century CE. An extremely long ceremonial cloth skirt comprised of many rectangular panels each hand woven from raffia palm fibers and sewn together with pompom tassels attached along outer edge. Such large skirts were traditionally worn by chiefs, and displayed their own unique patterns as a legacy emblem to mark his reign. Perfect as a dramatic vertical or horizontal wall display to show off the entire cloth, this is a very long piece that must have wrapped several times around the wearer's waist! The making of such a textile is a laborious team effort: traditionally the men weave the cloth on a heddle loom and the women and children, cut pile, applique, and embroider, which could take months to complete. Size: 262" L x 36" W (665.5 cm x 91.4 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174183

Staining and discoloration throughout. Some tearing to ends and peripheries, central weaving is overall good, a few minor holes and fraying. Most imperfections are along the edges, with some losses to pom poms and fraying to stitches.