Raffia weaving "mbal" (pl. "bilaam") · D. R. Congo, Kuba-Shoowa · ID: 3045832
not available anymore
Provenance
Banque Belgolaise CollectionSerge Le Guennan, Paris, France
Size
M: 55 cm x 55 cm
M: 21.7 inch x 21.7 inch
Description
raffia palm fibre, fine fabric with embroidery and velvet (“Kasai plush”)
Raffia cloth was used as currency throughout Central Africa. This assocation with value or wealth is still attributed to raffia textiles, especially those that are extensively decorated, just like the present example.