Woven To Abstraction Art: Congo Textile Framed in Glass

The textiles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the most distinctive and spectacular works of African art. Made by tribal women through the centuries, the cloths tell the story of the rise and fall of the powerful societies within. The artistry of the abstract patterns has fascinated artists, collectors, and designers for years. Matisse had them in his studio for inspiration, and they have been featured on Grey’s Anatomy and Frasier.

The artistic inventiveness and graphic power of the African Congo “velvet” tribute cloths typically were hung behind the royal throne. And like any throne, power rose and fell with everyone jockeying to be next.

There is no known symbolic meaning in the patterns except the expression of the creative invention of the African Congo artists, mostly women. It is an explosion of black and dark cream graphics which are in a off-kilter grid. The bolder the patterning, the more visible status was achieved.

Many pieces are now in the permanent collections of museums. Make a bold display using several of these up a staircase, down a hallway, over a large window area. Start your collection today. The artifact textile is placed between two pieces of glass and framed.