Textile - Ntshakabwiin - 74 x 141 cm - Shoowa-Kuba

Very beautiful overskirt for women in raffia. (Ntshakabwiin). Ntshakabwiin are reserved for the royal family of the Kuba kingdom. Central panel in natural color, executed in Portuguese relief knot stitch. Finely finished border in natural and black. Pattern of borders: Mongo (knee) Originating from a Belgian private collection - purchased in the period 1980-1990 Dimensions: 74 cm x 141 cm The overskirt is in very good condition. There is very slight age-related discoloration. Dating: The high degree of finish points to the mid-20th century. History: Embroidery is used in ceremonial women's clothing of the Bushong, Shoowa and Mbeengi. Bushong women wear long wrap-skirts, which are called ntshak and are about 5 meters long. On top of these ntshak is worn an overskirt like this. The overskirts are composed of a central field of monochrome natural or red embroidery and borders, executed in stem stitches along both long sides and one short side. The unfinished portion is held at the front on the abdomen, while the skirt is folded so that the neatly finished short side rests on the right thigh. Ntshak and overskirt are held to the body together with a belt or rope.

Estimate:£127.14

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