Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

A checkerboard that keeps changing its mind.

Kuba weavers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this Shoowa prestige panel in raffia in the 20th century. Shoowa textiles are commonly associated with prestige and ceremony, and are valued for their inventive geometry. This panel is divided into rectangular blocks, each filled with a different pattern of small squares, concentric diamonds and radiating wedges in black and cream. The contrast is strong and the tan border is edged with a darker fringe. The weave has a firm, compact feel.

About seventy by twenty inches. Order, interrupted on purpose, in every block.