Framed Ceremonial Tcaka Cloth

Visually dynamic and highly textured, these Ceremonial Tcaka Textiles serve as an ancient manuscript of tribal storytelling.

Also known as Madiba, this African raffia palm cloth was cultivated and made by the men of the Kuba Tribe, in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, called Kuba Kingdom. 

The Kuba are inspired by imagination and the environment. Humanity and life lie at the intersection of the natural and the supernatural, according to the underlying Kuba myth. As a result, rectilinear lines in Kuba art depict natural patterns. Both in art and nature, these lines occasionally disrupt what we take to be geometric order.

This particular Tcaka Cloth features Kuba Twool. A prestigious dye obtained from the heartwood of tropical trees Pterocarpus and Baphia Pubescens. The Kuba believe that twool is imbued with magical and protective properties, thus making this particular cloth one of great prestige. 

Once a wrapped skirt known as Tcaka, Tcaka textiles are made by patterning a long raffia palm textile and incorporating appliquéd "patches", embroidered shapes and patterns, openwork, tie-dye, cowrie shells, barkcloth and border elements. The geometric designs are restrained and balanced yet inherently rhythmic.

Sold as a set of six

Textiles are floating on off-white fabric, adorned with Italian Gold Moulding. Built locally in Solana Beach, CA. Frames feature museum glass for anti-reflection. 

Item available for local pick-up and delivery. For out-of-state shipping inquiries, please contact us at Le Marché