Kuba skirts, Tcaka, long cloths from 8 - 25 feet long, from the Ngeende,
Bushoong and Ngongo peoples incorporate appliqued "patches",
embroidered shapes and patterns, openwork, tie-dye, cowrie shells, barkcloth
and border elements. All are covered with geometric symbols; many are restrained,
subtle and rhythmic designs using one technique; others create amazing quilt-like
assemblages of old pieces of many forms. The full skirts are worn bunched
up and wrapped around many times. The exhibit also includes smaller, ornate
pieces and individual panels from the large skirts.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.
The long cloths were wrapped around many times and worn as a skirt or dress. These are single panels of such a dress wrap. We have many full-length skirts in our gallery, but it is difficult to photograph the full length. We'll try to get some on the site soon.
CARE: The cloth is not fragile and can be pinned onto a wall or panel for display, or framed like a work on paper. To eliminate wrinkles, the cloth can be misted with water, and then gently ironed on the back.