Kuba woman decorating woven cloth, Mushenge, Congo (Democratic Republic)

The photograph depicts wife of Nyim Mbopey Mabiintsh ma-Kyeen [Mbop Mabiinc makyen, (Bope Mabinshe)] marking designs for cut-pile raffia cloth. "After the dyeing, the cloth is ready to be embroidered. Most Kuba embroidery combines on one cloth two types of decoration: stem-stitching and cut-pile or plush stitching. The equipment is simple: a needle and, for cut-pile or plush-work, a knife. The embroideress needs an enormous amount of steadiness and patience. Because of the time required, prosperous and royal men who have several wives or concubines gain an advantage in the production of decorated garments. Fine plush pieces are worked for months ad even years. the work is done intermittently, usually in the afternoons, after returning from working in the fields." [Adams Monni, 1978: Kuba Embroidered Cloth. African Arts, 12 (1), November 1978, pp.24-39]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from January 8, 1947 to end of June 1947.