Cut-pile Shoowa velvet, also known as Kasai velvet or simply as Kuba cloth, is an artform produced cooperatively by men and women of the Kuba culture of Central Africa. The male weavers make the base cloth, and highly skilled female artists embroider and add plush designs to the surface. Each Shoowa velvet cloth has geometric designs that were likely inspired by basketry … [Read more...] about Kuba Shoowa Velvet: Researched and Conserved by Kate Sanford
This mask is a modest version of the Mukyeem Helmet mask that is made by the Kuba cultures of Central Africa. Most Mukyeem masks are large, elaborate structures that envelop the head, and they may be identified by the rich, symbolic materials used to make them. The masks typically incorporate leather and fur to represent powerful wild animals; elaborate and colorful beadwork … [Read more...] about Mukyeem Mask: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh