April 23, 2024
ANT. MUSEUM KUBA COLORED GRASS CLOTH SKIRT 28" x 176
Pricing & History
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KUBA VELVET GRASS CLOTH COMBINATION SKIRT "In the past, Kuba cloths of cut pile were prestige items, rarely worn but used as signs of wealth during life and at death. To make one could take up to a year. The base fabric was woven by men from softened raffia (palm leaf fibers), and usually left its light tan color. Women then applied two decorative techniques, embroidery - that is further stitching onto the base material - and plush or cut pile. " Marc Ginzberg African Forms. The true jewels of textile art are the small Shoowa cut-pile cloths. Their compex interplay of geometric symbols, inventive rhythm and balance, uniquely individual designs and tight "velvet"surfaces created objects so mysteriously alluring the Kuba people traded them as currency and were the standard by which a family's wealth and status were judged. These raffia cut-pile cloths, woven by men, were embroidered by women with no stitching visible on the back. Highly prized for their inventive patterns, they are further embellished with tight tufting, leading to the nickname "Kasai velvet". They were sewn together for ceremonial dress and covered royal stools. As a sign of status and to provide for the afterlife they were buried with kings or those fortunate enough to own many. These cloths are not fragile. They can be pinned to a wall, framed, or even used as
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