African Kuba Kasai Velvet Raffia Textile Zaire

Description

This glorious artwork is a fine example of a Kuba velvet, about 22" by 23.5" hand woven from palm fiber … more This glorious artwork is a fine example of a Kuba velvet, about 22" by 23.5" hand woven from palm fiber of a cut-loop pile embroidery and flat stitch embroidery, the technique produces what is known as KASAI VELVET panels. These were used as currency and highly prized. It is one of the very few fabrics which is still completely made by hand and of natural materials!
What may be the most amazing fact of all, is that the artist rarely sketches her designs ahead of time! She works from images in her mind, many times patterns that have been passed down for generations. The Bakuba people traditionally use their fabrics for clothing (particularly ceremonial), floor and seat coverings etc..Kuba can also be framed for display or hung as room decor. And it can be sewn with as well. Crafts include placemats, cushion covers, handbags, frames, and many other items. less