Late 20th Century Kuba Shoowa Raffia Cut-Pile Embroidered Square Cloth With Geometric Diamond Pattern

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This textile is unique to the Shoowa, a subgroup of the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, … Read more This textile is unique to the Shoowa, a subgroup of the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and boasts a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Its production showcases the skills and creativity of both men and women: men weave the raffia fiber on a 45-degree loom, while women are responsible for the embroidery and cut-pile sections.

This particular cloth features a geometric diamond pattern, characterized by areas of high pile that create a velvet-like texture known as Kasaï velvet, named after the province where it is produced. The development of Kasaï velvet is a labor-intensive process that involves stitching designs into the cloth, drawing raffia fibers through with a needle, and cutting the fibers to achieve a dense pile. Each side is finished. See less