Kuba Shoowa Dance Skirt

Squares of black, squares of tan, and a maze running up the middle.

Kuba artists of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this Shoowa dance skirt from raffia in the 20th century. Kuba textiles are woven by men and embroidered by women, and such skirts are commonly wrapped for ceremony and display of rank. The long panel is tan and brown, with interlocking angular patterns in the center and checkered bands of black and cream down each side. Tiny tufts line both edges.

About 52 inches long and 20 wide. Hang it vertically and it reads as a quiet geometry lesson.