WONDERFUL KUBA PRESTIGE CLOTH 17" x 35 " THICK & PLUSH

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KUBA ZAIRE PRESTIGE CLOTH "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 Boutalla are the more plush of the Kuba "square" textiles, and the designs are elaborate and exceptional. These textiles were used as currency, and as ceremonial offerings, in the Kuba Kingdom, which is in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and was formerly Zaire. Men did the weaving, women did the dying and embroidery. Raffia, which comes from the raffia palm tree, is notoriously difficult to work with. Soaking and pounding were both used to soften the fibers. Each piece took months to make. 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. 19" x 35" HEAVY WEIGHT, EXTRA THICK HIGH/LOW PLUSH & STITCHING . CONDITION IS EXCELLENT BROWNS , BLACKS , TANS, RUSTS . ( NO TEARS, NO HOLES, NO WEAR, 4 BOUND EDGES ) THIS IS AN NEWER (1--5 YEARS), CLOTH AN EXCELLENT PATTERN SOME PEOPLE FRAME AND HANG THESE AS ABSTRACT ART, SOME USE AS A PILLOW CASES WITH CANVASS ON THE BACK. MANY USE AS TABLE COVERS VALUE - $ 400.00 + ETHNOARTS IS YOUR EBAY LEADER FOR FINE AFRICAN ART AND THE LARGEST SELLER OF QUALITY KUBA CLOTHS ON EBAY, Volume discounts available. US SHIPPING IS FREE $ 10.00 INTERNATIONAL PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU PURCHASE A KUBA CLOTH, ALONG WITH ANY OTHER HEAVIER ITEM THE FIRST SMALL CLOTH HAS NO SHIPPING CHARGE, EACH ADDITIONAL SMALL CLOTH IS ONLY $3.00 OR SHIP UP TO 5 SMALL CLOTHS ALONE FOR 22.00 - USA *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities. *** If you cannot live with that or want a perfect piece. Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try as best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions. PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING . DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY. Return Policy: All items purchased can be returned for a credit within 14 days if item is not as described (minus shipping costs). POLICIES: Buyer prepays, plus shipping and handling, INSURANCE is Included.. International postage will vary depending on country. Winning bidders outside of the United States get Air Mail. After the auction has ended,eBAY will send you email notification of your winning bid, requesting your shipping information. Upon your reply, due within 3 business days, I will email you with complete information for mailing in your payment or charging through PayPal (available for U.S. customers and now most International countries). Payments are due within 14 days from close of auction. Seller reserves the right to relist item if payment is not received within stated time. Please check out my feedback comments left by ALL MY satisfied customers regarding my accuracy of descriptions, quality of ... read more

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