Congolese Shield Based

Zigzags, mostly. Chevrons nested inside chevrons, in blue, rust and cream, running the full length of a shield nearly five feet tall.

This one is Congolese, twentieth century, woven and finished with pigment. A long slot runs down the middle where the hand would go. The shape is a tall oval, narrow at the shoulders of the pattern and calm at the ends. Whoever worked out those diagonals had patience and an excellent eye for rhythm.

Stand it in a hallway. Everyone who passes will lean slightly to follow the lines.

Nobody has ever walked past it quickly.