Kuba Appliquéd Raffia Textile Congo 174x24 Inch Sidley Collection

Kuba textiles are renowned for their intricate designs and superb craftsmanship. These textiles are made by the Kuba people of central Africa, who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the most popular forms of Kuba textiles is the raffia square. These squares are made from the fibers of the raffia palm tree, which are woven into intricate patterns using a variety of techniques. The resulting fabric is then cut into squares and often decorated with additional embroidery, applique, or beading. Each raffia square is unique, with its own distinct design and color palette. Some squares feature bold geometric patterns, while others depict animals, plants, or other elements of Kuba culture. Kuba raffia squares have long been prized by collectors of African art and textiles. In addition to their stunning beauty, they also offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Kuba people.

These textiles are a testament to the skill and creativity of Kuba weavers, who have passed down their craft from generation to generation. Today, Kuba raffia squares continue to be produced and sold, both within the Congo and around the world. They are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of African art and continue to inspire Contemporary artists and designers. Through their intricate designs and rich cultural significance, these textiles remain a testament to the enduring beauty and creativity of African art.

Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection

After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous peoples. Part of her mission has been to educate others and to honor the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and heartfelt messages these handmade works send from their makers. Niña believes this deep respect for tradition and beauty inspires and ties all of us together as one world.

We do not recommend laundering textiles and do not accept returns of textiles that have been laundered in any manner. Even dry cleaning is too much for some of these antique textiles. For some of them, a very gentle HAND washing (NEVER MACHINE, on any setting) in cool water with a very gentle detergent works, but even then, dyes may not be colorfast, and fabric may be less strong than it appears.