Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

Fifty-four inches of raffia, and a border that does most of the talking.

Kuba textiles combine woven raffia with embroidery and appliqué, and pieced panels like this one, made in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 20th century, were used in dance and ceremony and kept as family wealth.

Broad borders on both long sides are worked in a bold black and cream interlocking maze, edged with fine red lines. The central field is soft tan, embroidered with a subtle lattice and a large diamond motif, and the lowest section is plain woven cloth. Fading, soiling and light wear at the edges show its age.

Hang it high and let the maze run.