Shoowa Velvet Panels, 20th century
Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 20th century
Raffia, cut and dyed 25 7/8 x 14 ¾ in.; 25 ¾ x 18 ¾ in. framed; 23 x 12 in.; 25 7/8 x 14 ¾ in. framed; 25 x 23 in.; 28 x 25 ¾ in. framed
The Kuba kingdom on the southern edge of the Congolese river basin prospered between the 17th and 19th centuries, becoming one of Central Africa’s most powerful societies. During that time, art and design played a fundamental role in the kingdom and both Kuba men and women were textile artists. Today Kuba ethnic groups are represented in about sixteen Bantu-speaking communities in what now forms the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Traditionally Kuba men cultivate, cut, and weave the raffia palm fibers into cloth, while women stitch together wide strips of fabric, embroider, and appliqué the designs onto the cloth. The refined Shoowa fabrics served a variety of functions that signified the owner’s prosperity and prestige. They were worn during ceremonial occasions, offered as dowry payments, utilized as funerary shrouds, and adorned the seats of dignitaries at the royal court.
More information on Shoowa velvet panels can be found here: