Mbuti Barkcloth Panel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Interlocking blocks fanned with fine hatching, like stacked folding fans.

Mbuti artists of the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, painted this barkcloth panel with pigment in the 20th century. Barkcloth there was traditionally beaten from tree bark and commonly worn as a wrap, with freehand designs. Large, angular shapes fill this panel, each outlined in black and shaded with parallel lines that fan from one end. The shapes lock together like paving stones. The cream surface shows gentle folds, and the dark lines carry a soft, brushy edge.

About 27 by 19 inches. Bold geometry in a soft material.