This is the rating and price for Long 19Th C. African Kuba Raffia Cloth Skirt Panel

Description : **This is an oversized piece that may require special shipping. Please inquire for a quote prior to bidding. Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. An extremely long ceremonial cloth skirt comprised of many rectangular panels each hand woven from raffia palm fibers and sewn together. The main ground panels are a warm light brown hue and hemmed by raffia tassels and the center appliqued with dark brown cut out panels to create bold meandering curvilinear shapes. Such abstract geometric patterns are usually symbolic of an individual's social and marital status, or character and this wraparound skirt was probably worn by a chief. Chieftains created their own unique patterns as a legacy emblem to mark his reign. Perfect as a dramatic vertical or horizontal wall display to show off the entire cloth, this is a very long piece that must have wrapped several times around the waist! The making of such a textile is a laborious team effort: traditionally the men weave the cloth on a heddle loom and the women and children, cut pile, applique, and embroider, which could take months to complete. Size: 214 L x 32 W (543.6 cm x 81.3 cm) Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #170957
Price: 499.68 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1350 USD It's free to register now to view!

Details