Kuba Cloth/Kuba cloth cushion cover/Kuba cloth pillow/African Kuba top cloth/raffia cloth/DR. Congo/authentic/appliques/ 40x60cm (16x24") KC574

The making of Kuba or raffia cloth is a very time consuming process; Kuba men first gather the leaves of the raffia tree and then dye it by using mud and substances from the camwood tree. The men rub the raffia fibers in their hands to soften and make it easier for weaving. After the men top have completed the cloth their women embroider the patterns with a few threads of raffia fibers.

There are several different groups of the Kuba people living in Congo. Each group has a different and unique way to make the fabric. Some of them make it thicker, longer, with different colours and patterns. Each pattern is symbolic and many times a piece has many different meanings. The original Kuba cloth did not have patches, but as the cloth is quite brittle it is likely that the patches were used to repair the cloth. Nowadays the Kuba people still use the cloth during ceremonial occasions and ritual dances.

The pieces I am selling are all handmade and authentic. Each cushion cover is unique and a one of a kind piece. The size of the cushion cover is 60x40cm with black cotton backing and a zipper. The back side of the Kuba cloth fabric is also covered with black cotton. The appliqués have a very nice color of pale red and taupe/grey. The inner is not included.

Handmade items should also be expected to contain irregularities which I believe add to their character and does not detract in any way from their quality.

Please note that the color may appear to vary on different monitors.

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