842 Rare Antique Kuba Ceremonial Raffia Jacket with Cowrie Shells

Antique Royal Ceremonial Tunic with Raffia, cowrie shells and beads from the Kuba People.

This tunic is a part of a larger ensemble called the “bwantshy”.

Another example that is somewhat similar:

Christies Sale 5072 (2003) http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/une-costume-de-danse-kuba-republique-democratique-4116932-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4116932&sid=7b4265d1-dcae-469d-a037-5830311fddeb

A fabulous once in a lifetime find!

Estimated to be from the early /mid1900s and was probably collected from the field in the mid-1900s

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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