Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

At funerals, among the Kuba, cloth speaks.

This Shoowa prestige panel, raffia, Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, belongs to a tradition of embroidered squares that served as a measure of wealth and prestige, displayed and given at important occasions.

The design is calm and orderly. Rows of concentric diamonds, outlined in fine black and cream lines, each centered on a small black lozenge. A row of dark triangles runs along the top and bottom of the field. A plain woven border and a full fringe of loose raffia frame it, with one corner cut away. About 21 by 26 inches.

The quiet one in a loud family.