Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

Stitch by stitch, until the cloth turned to velvet.

The Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo embroidered this raffia panel in the 20th century. Shoowa cut pile gives the surface its velvety feel, and such cloths were valued as prestige goods, used in exchange and kept as family wealth.

Over five and a half feet long, just under two feet wide, and made of three joined sections. Each holds a dense checkerboard of small squares and diamonds in deep black, warm tan and soft brown. The pattern shifts quietly from section to section. A narrow bound edge frames the whole.

Hang it tall. Let the hallway pay attention.