Cut-Pile Embroidered Textile
Shoowa, D.R. Congo
Embroidered raffia
Early 20th century

The Shoowa, a northern group of the Kuba, sewed square panels such as this, which were used as dowry payments, shrouds, chair and floor coverings, and as symbols of wealth and status. Each geometric design was embroidered on a raffia panel and grew, almost organically, across the fabric. Every pattern came from the imagination of the embroideress and could change as the work progressed. Although there was often a dominant motif that defined each embroidered square, the motif often changed as it spread across the panel (Gillow, African Textiles, 2003).

Ex. Robert Dowling (2009). 

22.5 x 18.5 in :: 57 x 47 cm

InventoryID #13-1257

Not For Sale