Kuba cloth

Kuba textiles are a type of raffia cloth unique to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and noted for their elaboration and complexity of design and surface decoration. Most textiles are a variation of rectangular or square pieces of woven palm leaf fibre enhanced by geometric designs executed in linear embroidery and other stitches, which are cut to form pile surfaces resembling velvet. Traditionally, men weave the raffia cloth, and women are responsible for transforming it into various forms of textiles, including ceremonial skirts, ‘velvet’ tribute cloths, headdresses and basketry.