This ceremonial belt (Nkody Mu-Ikup) would have formed part of a royal Bushoong Kuba woman's regalia, as a visible symbol of wealth and prestige. The ornate belt, woven from palm raffia fibre, has been embellished with rows of cowrie shells framing an elegant central black and white beaded interlaced knot design. These prestige materials, visual manifestations of power and status, symbolised the wealth of the Kuba royalty during formal and ceremonial events.
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Length of Belt: 103cm
Height of Belt: 4cm
Length of Mount: 59cm
Height of Mount: 22cm
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