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Royal Belt (yet)

possibly early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba Kingdom, Kuba-style maker

Medium
Plant fiber, rawhide or leather, glass beads, seashells, cowrie shells, cloth, and colorant
Measurements
Overall: 139.5 cm (54 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1994.87
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Cowry shells, a type of currency used in the Kuba Kingdom in Central Africa, decorate this belt made for a king. The intricate patterns and colors of the beads indicate the high status of the wearer as well as the wealth of his kingdom.

Description

Attributed to Kuba peoples of southeast Democratic Republic of Congo, this prestige belt boasts superb craftsmanship. The accumulation of a variety of materials indicates the high status of its wearer. It is made from leather strips and finely accessorized with a combination of intricately patterned bead designs, cowries, seashells, and bells. It would have been worn over a large raffia skirt by a man during ceremonial occasions. It was acquired from the Belgian dealer Jacques Hautelet in 1994.
A U-shaped belt of woven plant fiber and leather is adorned with a central band of teal, white, and dark glass beads. Numerous charms hang from leather loops, including large ridged shells and forms encrusted with cowrie shells. Flat beaded pouches display intricate geometric patterns in shades of teal, brown, and white. Braided fiber loops terminate each end, emphasizing a contrast between smooth glass beadwork and rough, organic shell textures.

Royal Belt (yet)

possibly early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba Kingdom, Kuba-style maker

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