Chief or nobleman's wrapper
Teke people
DR Congo
Late 19th or early 20th century
Raffia palm or pinneapple fiber, plain weave
196 x 81 cm  (93 cm including bottom fringe)

The wrapper is composed of many smaller complete weavings which have been joined together in horizontal bands.
The fringes are layered over successive bands and are a decorative as well as a symbolic feature.

For a descrition and historical photos please see Weaving Abstraction, pages 42- 46, by Vanessa Drake Moraga
The Textile Museum, 2011