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Prestige textiles among African art objects Kuba Produced in Zaire by the Shoowa, Bashoowa, mainly, a Kuba sub-group, these fabrics form true paintings of primal art, and are made with a raffia-based textile foundation. The geometric motifs represent the body scarifications of the ethnic group or reproduce the decorations of the sculptures. These refined fabrics were intended to be used at the royal court, as seating or as coverings, to enhance its prestige. They often held monetary value, or also accompanied their owners into the tomb, covering the deceased's body. It was King Shamba Bolongongo who is said to have introduced to the Kuba the weaving technique in the 17th century. He had previously initiated the Kuba to

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