Kuba Bushoong Barkcloth Panel

Twisting black lines weave a maze over a pale strip with small stitches.

This Bushoong barkcloth panel from the Kuba peoples is Kuba, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is pounded & woven bark, pigment & raffia. Kuba cloth is generally made from raffia palm fibers, with men usually weaving the base cloth and women often adding embroidery, appliqué and dyed designs. Overall, a tall, narrow panel patterned in cream and black with interlaced bands and fields of tiny triangles. Dark brown borders flank the pattern, with visible stitching along the edges. The surface looks flat and softly worn. It is 15 inches wide and 42 long.

An orderly puzzle with a stitched frame.