Unique BaKuba Tie-dyed Raffia Skirt

The Bushong/BaKuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo  produce exquisite textiles for ceremonial use. This long, narrow textile is a full noblewoman’s skirt that known as ntshakishwepy. It is made of handwoven raffia palm leaf fiber and measures 31 in. x 302 in. When worn, it is wrapped around the woman’s body many times and secured with a belt. The plain weave raffia that creates the panels has been pounded in troughs of water to produce a supple fiber before the dying process. The softened cloth resembles fine linen in drape and feel.The terra cotta coloration is from tukula, a natural pigment that is made from the heartwood of a special tree. This pigment is restricted to ceremonial use by the elite. This skirt features plangi, tie-dyed patterns of natural raffia color on the terra cotta ground. Tie dying is infrequently seen in BaKuba textiles.This textile is in very good condition with a few worn places from the softening process. The subtle tones and elegant restraint in