Kuba Shoowa Prestige Panel

A crowded quilt of small blocks, ending in a little tuft of fringe.

This Shoowa prestige panel is Kuba, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is woven raffia. Kuba cloth begins with the fibers of the raffia palm, and the embroidery that covers it is slow, patient work. Many small rectangles are sewn into a tall brown panel, each with its own pattern of checks, diamonds or lattice, outlined in cream. Brown fringe hangs from the bottom edge and the sides are slightly wavy. The panel is 21 inches wide by 44 long.

A village of tiny patterns living side by side.