Shoowa 102 23.5 x 22.5" $175 |
Shoowa 113 24 x 24" $200 |
 Shoowa 116 23" x 22.5" SOLD |
 Shoowa 119 25.5" x 20.5" $200 |
 Shoowa 120 19" x 20" $200 |
Shoowa 102 23.5 x 22.5" $175 |
Shoowa 113 24 x 24" $200 |
Shoowa 116 23" x 22.5" SOLD |
Shoowa 119 25.5" x 20.5" $200 |
Shoowa 120 19" x 20" $200 |
 Shoowa 121 26" x 24" $200 |
 Shoowa 122 24.5" x 19" $200 |
 Shoowa 124 25.5" x 20.5" SOLD |
 Shoowa 127 25.5" x 22" $200 |
 Shoowa 128 19" x 17" $200 |
 Shoowa 129 21" x 19" $200 |
 Shoowa 123 27" x 21" SOLD |
 Shoowa 117 23" x 19" SOLD |
 Shoowa 118 19" x 19.5" SOLD |
 Shoowa 125 24" x 21.5" SOLD |
 Shoowa 126 19.5" x 20.5" SOLD |
 Shoowa 130 22" x 21" 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 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. 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.
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