Kuba Shoowa Dance Skirt

Deep red, a pale frame, and a diamond for every ancestor.

Kuba weavers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this Shoowa dance skirt in raffia in the 20th century. Such skirts are commonly worn at festivals and funerals, and the dense raffia pile gives them a velvety feel. A large central field of rust red carries a lattice of diamonds worked in a darker thread. Cream borders on both sides are patterned with black zigzag bands, and a short fringe sits at the top.

About forty-eight inches long and twenty-three wide. Bold enough to keep a whole wall in order.