 Shoowa 33 21"x 21" $160 |
 Shoowa 34 22"x 21" $140 |
 Shoowa 35 23"x 22" $140 |
HAMILL TRIBAL TEXTILES www.hamilltribaltextiles.com |
Shoowa 33 21"x 21" $160 |
Shoowa 34 22"x 21" $140 |
Shoowa 35 23"x 22" $140 |
 Shoowa 40 25"x 21" $160 |
 Shoowa 43 25"x 24" $140 |
 Shoowa 61 21"x 21" $160 |
 Shoowa 62 17"x 19" $160 |
 Shoowa 46 26"x 21" SOLD |
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.
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