Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Black and cream checks beside bold stripes and dark amber ovals, all in perfect step.

This tcaka or dance skirt is Kuba, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is dyed, piled & applique raffia. Abstract geometric designs on the cloth act as a visual language valued across Kuba society, and some say it grew from scarification patterns, crop patterns or even divine intervention. Long narrow textile with a column of black and cream checks and stripes, plus stacked oval motifs in amber and black. Pale bars across the right side and the ends are tidy with a slight fray. It is 29 inches wide and 200 long.

Crisp edges and a sense of rhythm throughout.