Prestige Panel
Kuba Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Details
Title
Prestige Panel
Artist/Maker
Kuba Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
2000
Medium
Raffia palm fiber, natural dyes, and cut pile embroidery
Dimensions
Contact the museum for more information
Credit
Gift of Maureen and Harold Zarember
Accession #
2017.380
Congolese textiles are known for their use of color, intricate geometric patterns, and symbolic meanings within their communities of origin. Made from raffia palm fibers and dyed with natural pigments, these textiles serve both functional and decorative purposes in homes and in ceremonial practices. The descriptive title "Prestige Panel" indicates the panel’s use as a status symbol. These patterns are appreciated for their beauty and traditionally served as a signature of sorts, with patterns sometimes corresponding with scarification marks on the maker’s body.