Kuba Bushoong Barkcloth Panel

Interlocking diamonds and knotted lines fill this narrow panel with tight geometry.

This Bushoong barkcloth panel from the Kuba peoples is Kuba, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is pounded & woven bark, pigment & raffia. Barkcloth is made by soaking and pounding the inner bark of certain trees until the fibers spread into a flexible sheet that can be dyed and decorated. Up close, a long rectangular strip with a cream and black pattern of nested diamonds and looping bands, with a fringe of tiny triangles. Dark fabric borders run down both edges. The corners are slightly curled and uneven. It is 15 inches wide and 42 long.

A very busy rectangle with no room for dull spots.