Accession Number
2014/2.90

Title
Raffia Textile Panel

Artist(s)
Kuba

Artist Nationality
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)

Object Creation Date
19th century - 20th century

Medium & Support
raffia palm fiber

Dimensions
20 1/2 in x 19 3/4 in (52.07 cm x 50.17 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of the Robbins Center for Cross Cultural Communications in memory of Warren M. Robbins

Subject matter
In the 19th century, decorated raffia cloth was used as a marker of prestige, as currency, to pay tribute, settle legal disputes, and in public displays such as the funerals of high-ranking titleholders. Additionally, they were often used as initiation objects during ceremonial rites of passage. The textiles are generally covered with geometric patterns, similar to patterns found on Kuba basketry, woodwork, sculpture, and female body scarifications. Patterns may be given names, but the same pattern will likely be given a different name by different people.

The diamond pattern in this cloth is created through a repetative crossing of lines and the positioning of chevrons opposite one another. A double crossing can possibly be concidered a reference to Woot, the mythical founder of the Kuba, whose mother invented mat weaving.

References:
Monni Adams, Kuba Embroidered Cloth, African Arts, 1978
Daniel Biebuyck, The Arts of Zaire, 1985
Georges Meurant, African Textiles from the Kingdom of Kuba, 1986
Roy Sieber, African Textiles and Decorative Arts, 1972

Physical Description
Tan square panel with tan hemmed edges consisting of a repetitive diamond pattern with alternating chevrons. 

Primary Object Classification
Textile

Primary Object Type
fiber art

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
embroidery (visual works)
geometric motifs
geometric patterns
prestige
textile art (visual works)
textile components