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Maker(s):Unknown
Culture:Congolese, Kuba people
Title:Pile Cloth
Type:Textile
Materials:raffia
Place Made:Africa; Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
Measurements:Overall: 10 13/16 in x 26 3/4 in; 27.5 cm x 67.9 cm
Accession Number:  AC 1999.196
Credit Line:The Barry D. Maurer (Class of 1959) Collection of African art purchased with Amherst College Discretionary Fund and funds from H. Axel Schupf (Class of 1957)
Museum Collection:  Mead Art Museum at Amherst College
1999-196.jpg

Label Text:
The Kuba people are from the Kasai River region of the Democratic Rebublic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Their decorated raffia cloths are survivors of an ancient weaving tradition that was once widespread across central Africa. Kuba pile cloth, also known as Shoowa carpets and Kasai velvets, is woven from the fiber of the 'raphia vinifera' palm. The square of plain raffia cloth, the 'mbal', is typically woven by men, and the prestigious cut pile embroidery is only produced by women. The Kuba peoples mastery of abstract patterning was an inspiration to artists such as Klee and Matisse.

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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+1999.196

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