Painted Bark Cloth
Mbuti people, DR Congo, Ituri Forest
20th century
Pounded inner ficus bark fiber, plant dyes
19.5 x 35 inches
The eccentric biomorphic and linear geometries of Mbuti bark cloths, painted by women, are impressionistic responses to the organic textures, patterning, life forms and play of light and motion of the forest landscape. The abstract compositions evoke twisting vines, webs, fractal branches, insect activity, tracks and animal markings, in a fluid, spontaneous and exploratory spirit.
Provenance: Jean-Pierre Hallet, Belgian author and ethnologist well known for his work among the Mbuti and other tribes in the Ituri Region.
SOLD
