KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES ARCHIVES

KUBA Shoowa 1 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 2 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 3 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 4 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 5 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 6 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 7 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 8 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 9 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 10 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 11 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 12 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 13 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 14 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 15 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 16 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 17 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 18 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 19 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 20 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 21 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 22 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 23 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 24 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 25 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 26 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 27 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 28 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 29 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 30 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 31 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 32 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 36 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 37 SOLD

KUBA, Shoowa 38 SOLD

KUBA, Shoowa 39 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 41 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 42 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 44 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 45 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 47 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 48 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 49 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 50 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 51 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 52 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 53 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 54 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 55 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 56 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 57 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 58 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 59 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 60 SOLD

KUBA Shoowa 63 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 64 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 65 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 66 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 67 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 68 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 69 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 70 SOLD
KUBA Shoowa 71 SOLD	KUBA Shoowa 72 SOLD

The true jewels of textile art are the small Shoowa cut-pile cloths. Their compex interplay of geometric symbols, inventive rhythm and balance, uniquely individual designs and tight "velvet"surfaces created objects so mysteriously alluring the Kuba people traded them as currency and were the standard by which a family's wealth and status were judged. These raffia cut-pile cloths, woven by men, were embroidered by women with no stitching visible on the back. Highly prized for their inventive patterns, they are further embellished with tight tufting, leading to the nickname "Kasai velvet". They were sewn together for ceremonial dress and covered royal stools. As a sign of status and to provide for the afterlife they were buried with kings or those fortunate enough to own many.

These cloths are not fragile. They can be pinned to a wall, framed, or even used as a fabric for clothing or upholstery. Folds or wrinkles can be removed with careful misting and ironing from the back.