We do not recommend laundering textiles, and do not accept returns of textiles which have been laundered in any manner.  Even dry cleaning is too much for some of these antique textiles.  For some of them, a very gentle HAND washing  (NEVER MACHINE, on any setting)  in cool water with a very gentle detergent works, but even then, dyes may not be colorfast, and fabric may be less strong than it appears. Additional Information: Can be steamed or ironed--I have left this up to the buyer. The BaKuba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, are known for their exquisite raffia woven textiles, carved wooden palm wine cups and cosmetic boxes in interesting shapes, and masks reflecting their elaborate mythology. Bark cloth is known as ISHYEEN among the Kuba. The bark is obtained from a particular tree. After removal the bark is soaked in water until it is soft enough to be worked. Using ivory or wooden pounders one or more men beat the bark against a smooth horizontal tree trunk to expand it and make it softer. Once the bark is dried, the women will apply patterns on the bark by using black dye from the juice of the gardenia seed. Vansina's CHILDREN OF WOOT is a fascinating book about them. See also Cornet Joseph, Art Royal Kuba. Edizioni Sipiel, 1982

• Type of Object: Textile
• Materials: Barkcloth, Pigment
• Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dimensions: Height: 41 InchesWidth: 15 Inches
• People: Kuba

Type of Object: TextileAfrica Direct