These gorgeous collectible textiles, woven from raffia, were used to wrap around the bodies of dancers during boys initiation celebrations. They were also used to cover royal stools in the Kuba tribe of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another interesting detail is that the cloths were woven by the men of the tribe. Like quilts, smaller patches were made and then sewn together. The women then added the complex geometric designs and complicated needlework. It is said that each unique pattern has a specific meaning for the tribe. Kuba cloths were so treasured that the Kuba people traded them as currency. The cloths were also used to declare their owners status. The inventiveness of the pattern is what made a piece so highly prized and is also what distinguishes the pieces in our collection.