Mbuti Barkcloth Panel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Dense as a street map, and just as hard to leave.

Mbuti artists of the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, painted this barkcloth panel with pigment in the 20th century. Mbuti barkcloth is commonly made for wear and for ceremony, and the designs are known for their freehand, improvised quality. Here fine black lines pack the cream surface with small shapes, from narrow fish-like forms to tiny cross-hatched blocks and bars. The pattern grows tighter toward the center. A tan stain runs down one edge, and the upper edge is deckled.

About 35 by 16 inches. Gives a plain wall something to think about.