Vintage Wood Framed Large Panel Kuba Textile

Vintage Kuba textile. Kuba people, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mid 20th Century. Single long strip panel surmounted over eight large rectangular panels and six smaller rectangular panels. Both long edges of the cloth are embellished with bobble decoration. Four of the large rectangular panels are made up of six square panels, in turn made up of three smaller panels. The remaining large rectangular panels are decorated with embroidery and cowrie shells. The long top panel appears to have been woven using the ikat technique. Altogether this piece of textile is complex and detailed, utilising geometrical shapes to provide a rich and complex overall design.

This textile is in excellent condition and comes professionally mounted in a natural wood box frame with glass front. Two keyhole mounts are present at back to hang the piece flush to a wall.

History

Kuba cloth is a type of raffia cloth unique to the Kuba people of theDemocratic Republic of the Congo. Famed for its complexity of design, most comprise rectangular or square pieces of woven palm leaf fibre enhanced by geometric designs executed in embroidery. This may be cut to form pile surfaces resembling velvet. Traditionally, men cultivate and weave the raffia cloth, while women are responsible for transforming it into various forms of textiles. These include ceremonial skirts, tribute cloths, headdresses and basketry.

The intricate designs are of cultural significance, and the embroidery is admired and highly regarded as one of the most important forms of African textile art. Kuba cloth can be found in private collections as well as museums all over the world. The Kuba are inspired by imagination and the environment, believing in spells, witchcraft, the presence of the dead, and a variety of supernatural powers. Humanity and life lie at the intersection of the natural and the supernatural and rectilinear lines in Kuba art depict natural patterns. 

If you're looking for a simple collectable textile that is a piece of decorative wall art in its own right, this is a good place to start and a fine example of Kuba workmanship. 

Measurements:

Textile: 122 x 66 cm

Box: 140 x 87 x 6 cm

This item can be picked up in person or delivered via courier. Please contact us at admin@kashgar.com.au for a shipping quote within Australia or overseas. In addition, we can personally deliver as far north as Brisbane or as far south as Sydney.