Kuba Royal Raffia Textile, twirly edge Congo Africa Start Price USD 390.00 Current Price USD 390.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Saturday, July 26, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Kuba Royal Raffia Textile, twirly edge Congo Africa' Description Kuba Royal Raffia Textile Type of Object: Textile Ethnic Group: Kuba-Bushoong Country of Origin: DR Congo Materials: Raffia fibers Approximate Age: Early 20th century Dimensions: 62 x 32 inches Overall Condition: Fair, small holes in several places, some stains  Additional Information:This is a superb skirt with elaborate fringe-edge seams, worn by royalty in the Kuba Kingdom, which is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire. The textile is decorated using the appliqued technique. 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. Most of the decorations are made by women. These textiles were used as dance skirts during special events in the royal court.I have written an article on them, included with purchase. See similar textile in TRAUMZEICHEN. RAPHIAGEWEBE DES KONICGRECHS BAKUBA, p. 113., figs. 92, 93.**029342** 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!