Kuba Tcaka or Dance Skirt

Terracotta orange with cream and black labyrinths, as sunny as a map of a very tricky garden.

This tcaka or dance skirt is Kuba, from Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is woven & 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. Horizontal panel in warm salmon and rust, set with blocks of cream and black square spirals and crossed diamond shapes. The blocks differ in pattern and shade, and the outline edges look soft and slightly worn. It is 168 inches wide and 24 long.

A warm, confident puzzle that never gives up its answer.