11.8ft African Kuba Raffia Cloth Fabric, Natural Woven Handmade

11.8ft African Kuba Raffia Cloth Fabric, Natural Woven Handmade.

A stunning hand-stitched textured fabric from the fiber of the Raffia Vinifera Palm in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Production of these textiles is a multistage process that involves the participation of both women and men. The process includes gathering and preparing the raffia fibers for weaving and embroidery, weaving the basic cloth unit, dyeing the embroidery fibers, and embellishing the woven cloth with embroidery, applique, patchwork, and dye. Embroided cloth works are individually conceptualized and the patterns have been named and passed on through generations.

The designs are elaborate and complex often showing rectangles and square patterns. The fabric is also used for ceremonial gifts in particular to royalty and some patterns resemble wealth & status.

Size is 142 inches by 25 inches (11.8ft by 2.08ft)