Panel c. 20th century

panel, textile

natural stone pattern

naturalistic pattern

panel

textile

repetitive shape and pattern

organic pattern

repetition of pattern

vertical pattern

regular pattern

pattern repetition

layered pattern

organic texture

This Kuba "Panel" from the 20th century is a prime example of the intricate geometric patterns that characterize Kuba art. The piece, crafted from raffia fibers, showcases a complex arrangement of squares, diamonds, and interlocking lines. It is thought that these patterns, specific to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, symbolize the complexities of social life, political power, and spiritual beliefs within their culture. The panel's rich brown hues and subtle variations in texture contribute to its aesthetic depth and serve as a testament to the skill and artistry of the Kuba people.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Cut pile embroidery is produced by several ethnic groups within the Kuba culture, including Bushoong, Shoowa, Ndengese, Ngongo and Ngombe. The different styles are distinguished by characteristics such as the color of the ground cloth, the use of a flat stem stitch and the way in which the cut-pile is used to build up pattern areas. The designs are geometric and rectilinear, utilizing variations of chevrons, squares, triangles, diamonds, interlaced knots and L-shaped motifs. The motifs are symbolic and refer to Kuba creation myths, historical events or ordinary objects such as hoes, tortoises, or shields. Panels such as these are produced primarily for display during funeral rituals and are subsequently used as burial goods. Offered as gifts to the deceased by their clan and by individuals from the village, cut pile embroideries are important symbols of wealth and prestige that reflect not only on the individual, but also on the entire clan.