Woman's Overskirt c. 19th century

This overskirt was made by a Kuba artist out of raffia cloth. Textiles in Kuba culture weren't just clothing; they were a canvas for expressing identity, social standing, and cultural values. The geometric patterns, like the ones you see here, aren't just decoration. They carry symbolic meanings passed down through generations. The Kuba Kingdom, located in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, had a complex social hierarchy, and clothing played a significant role in signaling status. Overskirts like these were worn by women. To understand this overskirt fully, we need to delve into Kuba art history and anthropology. Museum collections, historical texts, and ethnographic studies can provide insights into the cultural context and symbolism behind these intricate designs. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context, let's keep this in mind when we explore this collection.