Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Keys, crosses and little hooks scatter over a soft tan cloth, in seamed sections.

This tcaka or dance skirt is Kuba, from Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is embroidered & 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 textile in pale tan and cream with fine dark line motifs: keys, crosses and hooks on the right, denser patterns on the left. Visible seams divide the sections, and the surface is mildly creased. It is 35 inches wide and 206 long.

Small keys and crosses, all politely in their places.