Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba, ca. early 20th century CE. A pair of textiles known as "Kasai velvet" (Velours du Kasai) with classic black and white geometric patterns, made from raffia palm leaves. The making of such a textile is a laborious team effort: traditionally the cloth is woven by Kuba men on a single heddle loom using raffia-tree leaves and hand-dyed using mud, indigo, or the powdered bark of the camwood tree. Next, they are embroidered by women and children to create either an uncut or a cut-pile appearance. Interweaving of fine fibers creates the "velvet" texture of these cloths. Size: 26" L x 23.5" W (66 cm x 59.7 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex Hemingway Gallery; ex-Pace Primitive

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#158500

  • Condition: Some fading and discoloration commensurate with age. Tiny perforation on larger cloth. Some minor fraying but otherwise both are very good condition.

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July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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