Mbun Woman’s Skirt, D.R. Congo

Woman’s Skirt or Hip Wrapper Mbun, Kwilu-Kwango Region, D.R. Congo Late 19th /early 20th century Raffia palm fiber  Plain weave with float-derived patterning and embroidery 42 x 29 1/2 ins.  (107 x 75 cm) Provenance available A study in contrast, with woven patterns imparting subtle texturing and figuration to the undyed golden field juxtaposed with highly graphic embroidered borders. Both the weaving and decorative embroidery were executed by men, although this prestige hip-wrapper was worn by Mbun women and the typical lozenge and/or crescent designs relate to female symbolism and scarifications. Reportedly, the elongated lozenge motif is a schematic representation of the lizard, a sacred matrilineal clan. Price on request