Shoowa Cloth from Congo

Using the leaves of the raffia tree, the Kuba people of the Congo first hand cut, and then weave the strips of leaf to make pieces of fabric, called raffia cloth. Each patch is symbolic and many times a piece has many different meanings. When Kuba cloth originated there were probably no patches used, but later each patch developed a meaning, many patterns are uniquely arranged to tell a story.

The true treasures of textile art are the small Shoowa cut-pile cloths, known for their intricate geometric patterns, inventive rhythms, and perfect balance. These unique designs, paired with their dense, velvet-like texture, captivated the Kuba people so much that they were used as currency and became a symbol of wealth and status within families. Woven from raffia by men and embroidered by women, these cloths feature no visible stitching on the back. Highly valued for their elaborate patterns, they are further enhanced with tight tufting, earning them the nickname "Kasai velvet." These cloths were sewn into ceremonial garments and used to cover royal stools. As symbols of prestige, they were also buried with kings or those fortunate enough to possess many, ensuring their place in the afterlife.