Kuba textiles are unique in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly
Zaire, for their elaboration and complexity of the design and surface decoration. Most textiles are a variation on rectangular or square pieces of woven
palm leaf fiber-enhanced by geometric designs executed in linear
embroidery and other stitches, which are cut to form pile surfaces resembling velvet. Women are responsible for transforming raffia cloth into various forms of textiles, including ceremonial skirts, ‘velvet’ tribute cloths,
headdresses, and
basketry.