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PRODUCT: Kuba and Raffia cloth |
| | Kuba cloth is the embroidered and appliqued fabric of the Kuba people
of central Africa who leave around Kinshasa in modern day Congo. It is made from woven raffia and it's geometric art forms
have been the source of inspiration for artists such as Picasso, Klee and Matisse who owned an extensive collection.
For the Kubans the cloth forms an important part of their funeral rites. In order to be recognised by your ancestors when you get to the other side you must be wearing the correctly patterned cloth. These designs are handed down from generation to generation and it is the strength of this tradition that has kept the skills of making Kuba cloth alive.
To make Kuba cloth first a plain square is woven from raffia on a loom - this is usually the work of men.
Kuba cloth is very stiff when first woven, so it is pounded in
a mortar to soften it. This can cause holes which are a normal part of the
cloth but they are sometimes covered with applique designs. After weaving and beating women -
although sometimes also men - decorate the cloth using different designs, techniques and materials.
There are about 200 different designs that are known by name but each piece is unique as the artisans improvise as they work.
We are not able to stock Kuba cloth as a regular item on our website but we do occasionally have access to it. If you are
interested please email us.
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KUBA005: Long piece of Kuba cloth made from raffia.
Complete with rust, dark and light brown and ochre. Applique and tie
dyed stripes - a few holes.
24 inches wide 4 yards long |
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KUBA002: Kuba cloth, made from Raffia, partial, Dark
rust colored border with tie dyed elements, embroidered center.
19 inches wide 41 inches long
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KUBA003: Kuba cloth, made from Raffia, not complete,
dark and light brown appliqué design with some cowry shells.
14 inches wide 48 inches long |
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KUBA004: Kuba cloth made from Raffia, not complete.
Rust colored body with embroidery and cowries. Bobble border mostly
complete
14 inches wide 69 inches long |
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KUBA001: Long piece of Kuba cloth, made from Raffia,
not quite complete, has raffia bobbles on the side. Rust colored border,
brown middle with cowry shells, embroidery and appliqué patches.
19.5 inches wide 3 yards long
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RAFI001 : 19.5 x 28 inches |
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RAFI002 : 22.5 x 20 inches |
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RAFI003 : 21 x 26 inches edges are frayed |
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RAFI004 : 21 x 26 inches |
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SOLD RAFI005 : 19 x 25 inches edges are frayed |
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RAFI006 : 22 x 23 inches |
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RAFI007 : 25 x 25 inches |
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