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Woman's skirt (ntchak)
African (Kuba Kingdom)
19th–20th century
Object Place: Democratic Republic of Congo
Medium/Technique
Raffia and red dye
Dimensions
74.4 x 166.4 cm (29 5/16 x 65 1/2 in.); Legacy dimension: 74.4 x 166.4 cm
Credit Line
John Wheelock Elliot and John Morse Elliot Fund
Accession Number1995.90
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAfrica and Oceania, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionRaffia; embroidery, plain weave. Monochromatic central panel of red-dyed raffia cloth with raffia embroidery in an intricate, all over pattern sometimes called "foot of the chameleon." Along the long top and bottom edges are borders of undyed raffia cloth finely embroidered with an interlace pattern in dark brown and undyed raffia. A simliar band, less finely worked, borders the short, outer edge of the skirt. Worn by Bushong royal women as an outer- or overskirt.
Provenance1995, sold by David Lantz, New York, to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 24, 1995)