Ceremonial fabric Ntshak, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kingdom of Kuba, Shoowa tribe, second half of the 20th century

hand-sewn patchwork in raffia palm fiber pigmented withvegetable colors. 

These fabrics were used as wraparound skirts and considered as objects of prestige and as the most important part of the dowry. The process of creating an Ntshak of this size is very long and complex; raffia is a difficult material to work because it must first be immersed for weeks and then kneaded to soften the threads. This procedure, as well as weaving, is performed by men, while embroidery and other types of embellishment are performed by women.