**Originally Listed At $400**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba, ca. 1960. A traditional Kuba dance skirt (Tcaka) handmade from raffia and hand-stitched with immense artistry, presenting wonderful tye dye passages as well as skillfully stitched geometric and curvilinear motifs as well as eyelet details. All is delineated in warm earth tones: chocolate brown, creamy beige, wine red, plum, and rose. Such cloths are usually created by Kuba men on a single heddle loom. Next they are embroidered and decorated by women. Kuba cloths are worn during ceremonial events, especially funerals; however, they are also found in tapestries and home furnishings. The abstract geometric patterns are symbolic of an individual's social and marital status, age, and/or personal attributes or character. Size: 150" L x 24" W (381 cm x 61 cm)

There are several theories concerning the inspiration for Kuba style. One theory suggests that the designs in Kuba textiles are rooted in tribal scarification patterns. Another suggests that the motifs of Kuba textiles were modeled upon those found in crop patterns. Still another suggests that the source for their visual patterns came from divine intervention. The creation of these ceremonial wraps is a collaborative effort. Men are involved in all stages of preparing the fiber and executing the weaving. Women soften the textiles and apply the decoration. These coveted ceremonial textiles are worn during ritual dances and special occasions such as festivals, weddings, funerals, and initiation rites.

Provenance: private Poos collection, Overland Park, Kansas, USA - One of the largest privately held quilt and textile collections in the world, the Poos Collection has evolved over 50 years and through extensive travels to allow for original or point of source acquisition. The collection includes international textiles and garments with an emphasis on West African textiles such as adire, aso oke, kente, and ewe woven prestige cloths.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#145211

Some loosened fibers and a few areas of separation to seams. Only slight stains and minor fraying to areas of periphery consistent with use.