Democratic Republic of Congo Gift of Sam Hilu, 1994
Ntshakishwepi are raffia fabrics
sewn together into wraparound cloths with irregularly spaced embroidered
patterns. The individual elements of the design - squares, angles, circles,
ellipses - form a harmonious whole. Ntshakishwepi are prestige garments
indicating the rank of the women who wear them. The small red tufts on this
cloth are an indicator of the high position of the owner.
Ntshakishwepi are raffia fabrics
sewn together into wraparound cloths with irregularly spaced embroidered
patterns. The individual elements of the design - squares, angles, circles,
ellipses - form a harmonious whole. Ntshakishwepi are prestige garments
indicating the rank of the women who wear them. The small red tufts on this
cloth are an indicator of the high position of the owner.