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The textiles below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.
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Photographs © Tim Hamill
KUBA, SHOOWA TEXTILES, Democratic Republic of Congo
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 they 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 complex 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.
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.
GO TO KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES PAGE 5
GO TO KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES PAGE 6
GO TO KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES PAGE 2
GO TO KUBA SKIRT PANELS 1 PAGE (10-46)
GO TO KUBA SKIRT PANELS 2 PAGE (47-86)
GO TO KUBA SKIRT PANELS 3 PAGE (87-121)
GO TO KUBA BARKCLOTH TEXTILES PAGE 3
GO TO KUBA BARKCLOTH TEXTILES PAGE 4
GO TO KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)
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