Africa, Republic of Congo Kuba cloth frame/wall hanging object/abstract design

The Bouchong people were an ethnic group from the Kuba Kingdom in central Congo. They are known for weaving cloth with unique patterns, and in the 20th century, their designs gained attention, captivating people worldwide. African designs, including those from the Bouchong, have had a significant influence, with artists such as Pablo Picasso being inspired by them. Each country and each ethnic group has its own distinctive design style, making them incredibly unique. This item is one of those creations, woven by the Bouchong people from the fibers of a plant called raffia palm. The fibers were turned into thread and then woven into fabric. This piece is a framed version of that fabric. The cloth was worn by both men and women during festivals and rituals. The men’s clothing is called “Mafele,” and the women’s clothing is called “Nchak.” This item is a “Nchak” worn by women. The design of the women’s clothing is often free-form and abstract, while the men’s clothing tends to feature geometric designs that follow specific rules. The Nchak is created by stitching appliqué fabric onto the woven cloth, and the square and arrow-like designs on this piece are appliqué. Typically, seven to eight square pieces of cloth, each about 80 cm by 80 cm, are sewn together to form one piece of fabric. Therefore, this item is a fragment of one such piece. This item is believed to date from the mid to late 20th century. It is unclear whether it was used as a costume or if it was made for export or trade. The embroidery technique on this cloth creates a rich texture and depth. The design makes great use of negative space. The arrows and round designs may represent plants, raindrops, or sunlight. Regardless, it is an imaginative and captivating design that sparks creativity. Why not consider displaying this intriguing piece, born from the vast land and human endeavor, in your room? Weight: 1.8kg We, Brood, are a company consisting of four different stores with four different brands. We offer a wide range of attractive items from all over the world with a focus on Japanese items.