A Kuba headband from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, decorated with rows of cowrie shells and glass beads, with a round beaded disc at the centre.
Date: Circa early to mid-20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Kuba
Dimensions: 48cm L x 4cm W x 1cm D
Weight: 84g
Material: Raffia cloth backing, cowrie shells, glass beads
Condition: Good for its age. Some glass beads are missing. See photos.
About the headband
The band is made from a strip of raffia cloth, on to which rows of cowrie shells have been sewn by hand, edged with small glass beads. The red-brown ground shows between the shells. At the centre is a circular disc covered in white beads arranged in rings. Knotted raffia cords at each end are used to tie the headband at the back of the head.
Background
The Kuba kingdom, in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is known for its raffia textiles and its beaded and shell-decorated regalia. Cowrie shells were once used as currency in the region, and sewing them on to clothing and headwear was a sign of wealth and status. Headbands and hats of this type were worn on ceremonial occasions.
As with all our antique and vintage pieces, this headband is one of a kind, and natural signs of age, wear and handling should be expected as part of its authentic character. Dimensions and weight are approximate.
A Kuba headband from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, decorated with rows of cowrie shells and glass beads, with a round beaded disc at the centre.
Date: Circa early to mid-20th century
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Culture: Kuba
Dimensions: 48cm L x 4cm W x 1cm D
Weight: 84g
Material: Raffia cloth backing, cowrie shells, glass beads
Condition: Good for its age. Some glass beads are missing. See photos.
About the headband
The band is made from a strip of raffia cloth, on to which rows of cowrie shells have been sewn by hand, edged with small glass beads. The red-brown ground shows between the shells. At the centre is a circular disc covered in white beads arranged in rings. Knotted raffia cords at each end are used to tie the headband at the back of the head.
Background
The Kuba kingdom, in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is known for its raffia textiles and its beaded and shell-decorated regalia. Cowrie shells were once used as currency in the region, and sewing them on to clothing and headwear was a sign of wealth and status. Headbands and hats of this type were worn on ceremonial occasions.
As with all our antique and vintage pieces, this headband is one of a kind, and natural signs of age, wear and handling should be expected as part of its authentic character. Dimensions and weight are approximate.
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