Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Fifteen feet and then some. Unwind it slowly.

This is a tcaka, a dance skirt, made by the Kuba in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 20th century. The Kuba Kingdom was created in the 17th century when nineteen separate ethnic groups were united under one king, and raffia skirts like this were wrapped several times around the body for dances and important ceremonies.

A narrow strip of joined raffia sections, each embroidered in dark thread with angular mazes, chevrons and interlocking lines on a pale straw ground. A few small patches are set in along the way. Gentle creasing and soft discoloration speak to age and handling.

A very long sentence, all in one piece.