Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

Months of work. Then, at a funeral, an unrolling.

Kuba textiles of this kind took many months to complete, and were held as family wealth and brought out for display at funerals and other important events. This one was made by Shoowa artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 20th century, in raffia.

The field is deep black pile. Against it, a dense, interlocking pattern of cream bars and stepped meanders seems to weave over and under itself. Near the center, a small brown cross interrupts it with a deliberate change of rhythm. A narrow raffia border frames the whole.

Over five feet long. Hang it tall, and stand back.