Kuba Cloth, Reimagined in a Contemporary Style
Cultural heritage of Democratic Republic of Congo
Trench Coat
Kuba People
early 20th century
3D Viewer
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out, and drag the right mouse button to rotate the garment.
colorways
kuba cloth
Class: Digital Textiles – Woven
Medium: AI-generated Digital fabric inspired by the Raffia palm fiber
Dimensions: W. 31 In. × H.31 In. (78.7 cm x 78.7 cm)
Description: Using high-resolution fabric images from the MET, AI diffusion models regenerate Kuba Cloth digital fabrics by transforming random noise into detailed patterns guided by the original textures. For Burberry-inspired plaids, techniques include image-to-image conditioning, style prompts emphasizing signature check motifs, color palette extraction, and pattern tiling to create repeatable digital textile designs while preserving the classic intersecting lines and tones.
(Source: The MET Museum Website)
3D Viewer
Sweater and Denim
Kuba People
19th C-20th C
colorways
kuba cloth
Class: Digital Textiles – Woven
Medium: AI-generated Digital fabric inspired by the Raffia palm fiber
Dimensions: W. 31 In. × H.31 In. (78.7 cm x 78.7 cm)
Description: Because of the complexity and uniqueness of these techniques — combining weaving, dyeing, embroidery, cut-pile, appliqué, patchwork — Kuba cloth stands out as one of the most sophisticated and expressive textile traditions in Africa.
(Source: The MET Museum Website)
3D Viewer
Kuba People
19th C-20th C
Coat
colorways
Kuba-Shoowa Raffia Cloth
Class: Textiles – Knit (Mohair)
Medium: Digital textiles inspired from Raffia cloth
Dimensions: W. 31 In. × H. 31 In. (78.7 cm × 78.7 cm)
Description: The Kuba-Shoowa, a subgroup of the Kuba people, have a unique way of embroidering woven raffia. Colored threads are pulled under the weave so small tufts appear on the surface, then cut back. These tufts are arranged to form bold, named geometric patterns.
(Source: The MET Museum Website)