Congolese Wood Woven Mat

Diamonds, steps and zigzags, woven from fibers the color of dry grass.

This woven mat is from the Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and was made in the 20th century from bamboo and plant fiber. Woven raffia and fiber mats are commonly made in Central Africa for sitting, sleeping, and as wall hangings or currency. The pattern is a continuous maze of interlocking angular shapes, in light tan with brown and rust shading. The edges are fringed and slightly frayed, and the surface is flat and finely woven.

A rug for the wall or a wall for the rug. Either way, it brings the geometry.