THE WORD KUBA
KUBA
The word “Kuba” means “lighting” referring to the blades that were once used by Kuba warriors.
Kuba cloth also known as Velvet tapestry or Shoowa are hand-woven into complex geometric patterns using the strands from raffia palm leaves. The raffia strands are dyed in a variety of earth tones using vegetables dyes. These textiles are unique in the region of Kasaï, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Made with extreme care by Kuba women as family dowries and wealth, these “ tapestries” are one of the most extraordinary Congolese decorative art.
ELABORATION
Each cloth is a unique work of art, which can take many months to create. Raffia is collected, softened, dyed and weaved. The cloth is then decorated with patchwork, embroidery, appliqué or embellishments.
Appliqué
Endless geometric motifs
Brodé
Complexity of designs
DRAPÉ KUBA APPLIQUÉ
CAPE QUEEN KUBA
KUBA CLOTH WALL