Three Kuba bands
Bushoong Kuba
DR Congo
Early 20th century
Cut Pile technique, raphia, natural and synthetic dyes

Left:      132 x 7.5 cm  (52 x 3 inches) the purple is an imported chemical dye
Center:    67 x 7.5 cm   finished with a small strip of imported european velvet at each end
Right:    186 x 7.5 cm  

Such bands were made as borders for the skirts worn by members of the royal family and other high office holders.
This group was brought back to Belgium by a colonial family in 1934.