Kuba Shoowa Textile

Democratic Republic of Congo

18.5" x 17.5"

Wonderful use of complex geometric designs, these unique raffia cut pile cloths were so treasured that at a time the Kuba people traded them as currency, and were used to judge status.  The inventiveness of the pattern is what made these highly prized pieces, which were sown together for ceremonial dress and used to cover royal stools.