KUBA, Democratic Republic of Congo. Plant fibres, cowries, small blue, white and red glass beads. Rare set of three "Nkody Mu-Ikup" ceremonial belts forming part of the king's parade dress, which, complete with skirts, hats, necklaces, bracelets and other ornaments, could weigh over 80 kilograms. Everything about these belts points to the person of the king: from the cowrie shells and pearls, the most precious materials in traditional Kuba finery, which were used as currency before colonialism, to the white and blue colours, which were associated with positive attributes such as religious purity, notoriety and leadership. 114x4.5 cm (largest).