Framed Kuba is made with authentic raffia cloth from the Congo and is celebrated in the center panel and framed with coordinating free motion quilted cotton blocks and sashing. Black cotton backing.Approx 36" x 72" Ready to Hang (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuba_textiles)
On Exhibit at Hayti Heritage Center (Exhibit Feb 1- March 10, 2024)
Wallhanging - Framed Kuba
Kuba cloth is the traditional fabric made by the Kuba people of central Africa ( more specifically, what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). From the 17th century to the 19th century, the Kuba people flourished as part of the Kuba Kingdom, which was founded around 1625 under the leadership of Shyaam a-Mbul. Made up of more than eighteen different Bantu-speaking ethnicities, the Kuba kingdom experienced not only great political and economic achievements but artistic ones as well. While the Kuba peoples’ unique aesthetic has manifested in a variety of art forms-from basketry to scarification-Kuba cloth is perhaps the most famous.
Kuba cloth is woven from the strands of raffia palm leaves. The process of transforming the leaves into cloth is a time consuming one: a single placemat, for example, can take up to several days! While many cultures traditionally consider textile-making to be a woman’s job, the Kuba people divide the process between men and women. Men are largely in charge of weaving while women are responsible for finishing each piece. (blog.Culturalelements.com)