Kuba cut-pile cloth, also known Kasai velvet or Shoowa velvet, is an elaborate, labor-intensive cloth that is highly valued among the Kuba as well as being a popular collector’s item outside of Africa.  After men weave the basic background cloth of softened raffia fibers, the cloths are delivered to the female master artisans.  These women embroider outlines onto the cloth, then expertly stitch in the plush designs, and finally trim the fibers into a perfectly even plush.  The rhythmic, geometric designs change throughout the cloth according to complex African counting and measuring systems.  These designs also carry a variety of meanings, referring to anything from specific royal characters to mythological animals and landscape features.  The cloths are used in high-status clothing and costumes as well as for royal rugs and wall coverings, and even to line the king’s tomb. Researched by Hannah Harmon

For more information, you may contact the researcher(s) noted in the title of this exhibit entry, or Dr. Billie Follensbee, the professor of the course, at BillieFollensbee@MissouriState.edu