Of course I come across examples of Kuba cloth now and then, in museums and other fine places-- Kuba cloth a traditional, hand-woven ceremonial raffia textile created by the Kuba (Bushong) people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are a wonderful variety of examples out there, but this piece, which would have been one panel of a ceremonial wrap skirt, struck me as especially beautiful, and elegant, and modern/contemporary feeling--as if in conversation with Paul Klee, and Keith Herring, and Philip Guston, on and on! Arrows and moons and gesturing forms that feel like parts of moving bodies--created though the combination of applique and stitching in dark brown thread. Very striking and fine, all the better and more beautiful in hand. The textile itself is like a heavyweight linen, but light enough overall to easily pin to the wall from the top corners. I believe my first photo shows it upside down from how it would be worn, but I rather like those arrows pointing down!
32" x 21 1/2". Beautiful condition, c. 2nd q. 20th century. Shot under fluorescent light, which I hate, but the color in first photo is pretty close to accurate, though doesn't capture the richness of it. Detail photos give a sense of the texture and weight of the handwoven cloth itself, like a heavy linen. The fold lines are light and should easily steam out.
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