Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Rust zigzags and tiny rings on a near-black ground, running down the strip like a flash of lightning.

This tcaka or dance skirt is Kuba, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is dyed & woven raffia. Typical woven panels measure about 26 by 28 inches and are sewn together into the great length of a wrap-around skirt, which can at times reach beyond twenty feet. Narrow tall piece in dark brown and black, with bold orange-red chevron bands and small circle motifs in cream outline. The pattern changes partway along, and the edges show light wear and slight curling. It is 23.5 inches wide and 182 long.

Fireworks, but arranged with a ruler.