68 - Wrap-around garment, petticoat for women

Wrap-around garment, petticoat for women Cuba. Democratic Republic of the Congo Without base Raffia. W 80 cm. L 620 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Walu, Basel. - Hammer Auctions, Basel, December 5, 2024, Lot 91, sale canceled. The textiles of the Kuba people represent a remarkable exception within African art; their distinctive characteristics are found nowhere else in the world in this form. These woven raffia cloths from the Congo are considered a cultural-historical phenomenon. For generations, the Kingdom of the Kuba has preserved an outstanding tradition of artistic weaving, developing a distinctive and refined stylistic language in the process. The Kingdom of Kuba was a confederation of about 20 Bantu-speaking ethnic groups that governed autonomously as a political alliance from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century, when it lost its autonomy under pressure from Belgian colonial rule. However, the confederation—dominated by the ruling Bushoong class—still exists today and includes, in addition to the Bushoong, the Ngeende, Ngongo, Kete, and Shoowa, among others. The Kuba have a particular fondness for geometric shapes and decorate most of their everyday and ritual objects over their entire surface with intricate, mostly geometric patterns. The Kuba, however, gained fame above all for their masterful, widely coveted textiles. Such fine fabrics, which served as currency in the kingdom, were already mentioned in Portuguese reports from the 16th and 17th centuries. These were fabrics measuring approximately 50 x 50 cm, made from the frayed fronds of the raphia palm. In addition to these “small” textiles, the ceremonial garments—which can be over ten meters long and are worn like skirts around the hips by both women and men—are also a distinctive feature. The craftsmanship and design of these fine fabrics are clearly associated with specific officials and ceremonies. Upon assuming office, each king receives his own emblem featuring distinctive geometric motifs, which appear on all his prestige objects. The more elaborate the cloth, the higher the wearer’s rank—“Clothes make the man” holds true in Africa as well. Furthermore, the fabrics served as valuable commodities for trade or as meaningful gifts. Nowhere else in Africa were textiles crafted with such mastery, displaying such an impressive, distinctive sense of form and pattern. Aesthetics and function thus merge into small works of art whose influence on modern Western art is unmistakable and is evident, for example, in the works of Paul Klee, Antoni Tàpies, Keith Haring, and others. These artistic works are so fascinating, dreamlike, and sensuous that anyone who has had the privilege of seeing them in person will always remember them. Further reading: Meurant, Georges (1989). Traumzeichen. Munich: Verlag Fred Jahn. CHF 500 / 1,000 Weight in grams: 2,500 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to provide as comprehensive an impression of its condition as possible. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or use-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.