These special wraps were worn outside, or on top of, the long dance dresses for added decoration and prestige. The central area is barkcloth, made by beating a layer from just under the tree bark until it is thin and pliable.
Number 56 is painted in typically Kuba geometric abstract patterns, similar to those on their barkcloth dance costumes. One end and the two sides are embellished with raffia borders, which are quilted and tasseled.
CARE: The cloth is not fragile and can be pinned onto a wall or panel for display, or framed like a work on paper.
CONDITION: This barkcloth textile has a split seam at the bottom on the left (that could be taped closed on the back), a ragged area on the top edge (see detail) and a few small holes.
|
TRIBE |
OBJECT |
|