Textiel (1) - Plantaardige vezels - Rafia - zaïre

Initially the raffia is produced with young dried palm leaves, which is then sliced in threads and beaten, to become smooth. Other ethnic groups also obtain the thread with “liber”, a stringy layer located right below the bark.

The raffia threads can be dyed before weaving, or the dress can be dyed afterwards, with possible reserves to obtain several tints.

The raffia is woven by men with looms in the dimensions of the future textiles, using the same technique for the weaving of cotton wraparound skirts.

Then, women would embroider the raffias with geometric motifs, bearing a whole symbolism related to the history of the ethnic groups and to the rituals of passage of the dead.

These textiles were used ceremonially, as trade currencies or to shroud the dead. The complexity of this finery increases following the social rank, cowry shells were sometimes inserted into the fibres of the most beautiful ones, like for those of the Bushoong kings.

This one is in perfect condition, it was collected during my last stay in Africa.

Dimensions: 3.43 m x 55 cm.
Weight: 782 grams.