 Shoowa 132 19.5" x 20" $200 |
 Shoowa 133 23.5" x 22.5" $200 |
 Shoowa 134 23" x 24" $200 |
Shoowa 132 19.5" x 20" $200 |
Shoowa 133 23.5" x 22.5" $200 |
Shoowa 134 23" x 24" $200 |
 Shoowa 136 24" x 22.5" $200 |
 Shoowa 137 21.5" x 18" $200 |
 Shoowa 138 24" x 22.5" $200 |
 Shoowa 139 26" x 20" SOLD |
 Shoowa 140 23" x 22" $200 |
 Shoowa 141 22.5" x 21" $200 |
 Shoowa 142 24" x 19" $200 |
 Shoowa 144 19.5" x 17" $200 |
 Shoowa 145 24.5" x 22" $200 |
 Shoowa 131 23.5" x 24" SOLD |
 Shoowa 135 20" x 19" SOLD |
 Shoowa 143 22" x 20.5" 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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