KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES 2

introducing
HAMILL TRIBAL TEXTILES 
www.hamilltribaltextiles.com

  KUBA
Shoowa 33
21"x 21"
$160

 KUBA
Shoowa 34
22"x 21"
$140

 KUBA
Shoowa 35
23"x 22"
$140

KUBA
Shoowa 40
25"x 21"
$160

KUBA
Shoowa 43
25"x 24"
$140

KUBA
Shoowa 61
21"x 21"
$160

 KUBA
Shoowa 62
17"x 19"
$160

KUBA
Shoowa 46
26"x 21"
SOLD

Photographs © Tim Hamill

KUBA, SHOOWA TEXTILES, Democratic Republic of Congo

The true jewels of textile art are the small Shoowa cut-pile cloths. Their compex interplay of geometric symbols, inventive rhythm and balance, uniquely individual designs and tight "velvet"surfaces created objects so mysteriously alluring the Kuba people traded them as currency and were the standard by which a family's wealth and status were judged. These raffia cut-pile cloths, woven by men, were embroidered by women with no stitching visible on the back. Highly prized for their inventive patterns, they are further embellished with tight tufting, leading to the nickname "Kasai velvet". They were sewn together for ceremonial dress and covered royal stools. As a sign of status and to provide for the afterlife they were buried with kings or those fortunate enough to own many.

These cloths are not fragile. They can be pinned to a wall, framed, or even used as a fabric for clothing or upholstery. Folds or wrinkles can be removed with careful misting and ironing from the back.

GO TO KUBA SHOOWA 5 PAGE (116-130)

GO TO KUBA SHOOWA 6 PAGE (131-145)

GO TO KUBA SKIRT PANELS PAGE

KUBA BARKCLOTH PAGE

KUBA LONG PANELS

KUBA SKIRTS PAGE 1 (1-6)

KUBA SKIRTS PAGE 2 (7-12)

KUBA SKIRTS PAGE 3(13-18) 

KUBA SKIRTS PAGE 4(19-24)

GO TO AFRICAN TEXTILES PAGE

GO TO KUBA BARKCLOTH TEXTILES PAGE 3

GO TO KUBA BARKCLOTH TEXTILES PAGE 4

GO TO KUBA ART PAGE

GO TO KUBA SHOOWA TEXTILES ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)

HOMEPAGE

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