Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Eighteen feet of raffia. Fit for a dance.

The Kuba Kingdom was formed in the 17th century, when nineteen separate ethnic groups were united under one king, and its textiles became a great expression of that court culture. Long wrapped skirts like this tcaka were worn at dances and important ceremonies. This one, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was made in the 20th century. Many panels of natural tan raffia are joined, and fine brown embroidered lines form interlaced, maze-like patterns that change from panel to panel.

Plainer patches and visible seams add to its handmade, patchwork character. Unroll it slowly. It was made to be seen in motion.