Kasaï Velvet Raphia Cloth

Description

Kasaï velvet raphia cloth produced by the Shoowa.
They are a Kuba subgroup of Zaire (present day, Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Kasaï velvet raphia cloths, made of fibers collected from the raphia palm.
The men collect the fibers and soften them through pounding.
The men then weave the fibers into panels, using an inclined, single-heddle loom.
Women will then knot the pile, creating vibrant geometric patterns.
Afterwards, the pile is cut flush, giving the appearance of a velvety fabric.
The patterns of Kasaï velvet raphia cloths are created freehand.
These fine cloths, considered as objects of prestige and intended for use by the royal court.
The cloths are used to cover thrones and other seating and also used in ceremonies.
Highly valued, the Kasaï velvet raphia cloth is also considered as a currency object.
Very good condition, circa 1960-1970.

Dimensions
Widths: 63 cm and 65 cm
Length: 73 cm

About the KUBA
The Kuba live in today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire.
The Kuba kingdom, formed around 1600 AD, between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers. Made up of a federation of almost twenty different ethnic groups, all unified under one king.
The kingdom possessed a complex court bureaucracy that defined laws and judicial procedures.
The kingship was sacred but not absolute, as councils monitored royal power, maintaining stability for centuries.
Agriculture, fishing and hunting formed the basis of the Kuba economy.
Long distance trade connected the Kuba to other Central African societies.
The Kuba are renowned for their raphia cloth textiles, their statues, as well as their masks.