Antique Shoowa Kuba Cloth Handwoven Traditional Textile DR Congo "Kasai Velvet"

Description

DESCRIPTION:  Nice Old Antique piece of Shoowa Made Kuba Cloth from what is now DRC/Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire.  Traditional Geometric designs. Mat base is woven by the Shoowa Men of worked raffia palm fibre and the Women further embellish the mat with natural & dyed "cut pile" raffia AKA "Kasai Velvet" and embroidered accents to make traditional designs.  Mats are not only a beautiful display in the Kuba Kingdom, but also have a monetary value as a show of Wealth and have Trade value. These raffia ends are finished with tiny knots on two sides (unusual), and end with fringe.
SIZE:  ~23" wide including fringe (~21" W/O fringe) X ~19" across.
CONDITION:  This particular Kuba Cloth is Very Old and shows signs of longtime use and wear, and some spotting here and there.  Overall in very nice shape especially for age.
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
PLEASE contact me before paying if you are buying multiple items and I will quote for adjusted combined shipping price.  Thanks!
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the item(s).
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT:
We accept Paypal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPPING:
We Pack very well, insure, and ship USPS Priority*
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Please NOTE: USPS FIRST CLASS Package Shipping is Available for items UNDER ONE POUND may SAVE MONEY (over Priority) and Still generally arrives QUICKLY! You should be able to toggle the choice.