Kuba Raffia Textile Embroidery Cowry Shells 10 Feet Start Price USD 195.00 Current Price USD 195.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, July 21, 2008 End Time Monday, July 28, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Kuba Raffia Textile Embroidery Cowry Shells 10 Feet' Description Kuba Raffia Textile Embroidery Cowry Shells 10 FeetType of Object: Textile, hangingEthnic Group: Kuba-Shoowa.Country of Origin: DR CongoMaterials: Raffia, dyes, Cowry shellsDimensions: 23 x 120 inchesApproximate Age: 20th century Overall Condition: Very goodDamage, Repair: noneAdditional Information: Kuba cloth made of raffia fibers using finial embroidery patterns in the center and appliquéd technique in the borders. 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. Recommended Reading: I have written an article on them, included with purchase.**039826** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!