Object Image

Back Skirt/Sitting Pad (negbe)

Unknown Artist

Egbe (singular: negbe) were fashionable and practical garments aristocratic Mangbetu women made for special occasions. Worn over a skirt, it tied onto a girdle along with a frontal "apron." The curved interior piece rested on the lower back. Thickly woven, flexible natural fibers bent with the body, cushioning the wearer's behind when sitting. When the woman was standing, the decorated flat portion faced outward, showing off bold geometric motifs. Egbe were among items sold to foreigners at the Mangbetu king's encouragement as the Mangbetu actively constructed their self image for outsiders during the 1920s and 1930s.

Credit: Gift of the African Art Sponsors of Karamu House

by 1928

Plant fibers and dye

26.0 x 33.7 x 10.2 cm

1929.354

Image and text: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

The Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art

Permanent collection