Ncák (women's ceremonial skirt)
Sixteen feet in length, this densely patterned ncák was designed to expand its wearer’s bodily presence. It was worn wrapped around a woman’s lower body three to four times and then tucked or secured with a belt. The production of raffia fiber garments is a collaborative venture that instantiates clan relationships. Production begins with the cultivation of raffia palms and the weaving of mbala (unadorned rectangular textile panels) on single-heddle looms. These are then arranged and decorations applied by female family members of various ages. The female head of the clan typically coordinates the work by selecting the style of the skirt, acquiring the necessary units of mbala, and outlining the embroidery patterns. The resulting garment is considered clan property.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ncák (women's ceremonial skirt)
- Artist: Kuba artist
- Date: first half of 20th century
- Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sankuru River region
- Culture: Kuba peoples
- Medium: Raffia palm fiber, dye
- Dimensions: L. 193 x W. 33 1/2 in. (490.2 x 85.1 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Woven
- Credit Line: Bequest of John B. Elliott, 1998
- Object Number: 1999.47.78
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Kuba artist
early–mid-20th century
Kuba artist
ca. 1900
Kuba artist
late 19th–mid 20th century
Kuba artist
20th century
Kuba artist
19th–first half of 20th century
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