Democratic Republic of Congo
Kuba

Raffia, fabric
Mid 20th century
Length: 27.5 in; Width: 19 in; Depth: 0.125 in
Other – Ritual Symbolism

This kasaï velvet cloth is a kind of textile fabric made in Kasai, a province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaïre). The raffia fabric is heavy and expensive and is not intended to be worn, but is used as a bed covering or placed on the royal throne. Traditionally, the weaving is done by men of the Shoowa from the Kuba ethnic group, while the embroidery is done by the women. These cloths are used as currency or given as gifts.