Mbuti Barkcloth Panel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Hatched little shapes, strung on a looping line like charms on a bracelet.

Mbuti artists of the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, painted this barkcloth panel with pigment in the 20th century. Bark-based cloth of the forest peoples is commonly beaten, dried and painted freehand, and was traditionally worn as a wrap. This one is tan with a darker, reddish cast, and a single curling line links rows of small cross-hatched forms. Tiny asterisk marks appear here and there. The top edge is torn into a natural, ragged shape.

About 26 by 12 inches. Slim enough for a narrow wall, and good company there.