Panel, 20th century, 23 x 11 3/4 in. (58.4 x 29.8 cm), Raffia; cut-pile embroidery, Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, Finely worked cut-pile embroideries are objects of great prestige in Kuba society. The production of these embroideries is a highly specialized collaborative effort between men and women. Kuba men set up the looms and weave the raffia cloth that provides the base for the decorative elements. The most prestigious form of decoration, cut-pile embroidery, is worked only by women who develop great skill at this time- and labor-intensive art form.