This ceremonial belt (Nkody Mu-Ikup) worn as a symbol of wealth and prestige would have constituted part of a royal Bushong regalia. Woven from palm raffia fibre, this ornate royal belt has been embellished with rows of cowrie shells and rows of black and white glass beads forming a knot design at its centre. These prestige materials, visual manifestations of power and status, symbolised the wealth of the Kuba royalty during formal and ceremonial events.
Length of Belt: 103cm
Width of Belt: 4cm
Length of Mount: 59cm
Width of Mount: 22cm
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
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