Mbuti Barkcloth Panel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Tilted rakes and curled tendrils, scattered over tan bark mid-fall.

Mbuti artists of the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, painted this barkcloth panel with pigment in the 20th century. Painted bark sheets of this type are commonly associated with wraps and loincloths, with patterns drawn from forest life. This one is a warm tan, nearly the color of cardboard, scattered with comb-like blocks of black strokes. Each block has a curling stem, and each tips in a different direction. The surface is mottled and textured, with a few creases from folding.

About 26 by 18 inches. The warmest tone of the family, and the easiest to live with.