Women's ceremonial skirts

Epic ncák are worn spiraled around a woman’s lower body. The designs and techniques used to adorn the fabric varied greatly across the Kuba Kingdom. This masterpiece is composed of rectangular elements featuring abstract motifs cut and stitched to the surface of six mbala (unadorned textiles). The composition is enlivened by alternating naturally golden-hued panels with those dyed red or purple. Such intricate apparel would have been worn for only the most important ceremonial occasions. Notable among these were the investiture rites of regional chiefs, boys’ initiations, and the funerals of esteemed elders. In the latter context, the Kuba believe that the deceased must be dressed in woven raffia finery to enter the land of the dead and be identified as Kuba upon arrival.