Painting Item Number: 3527/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with abstract linear and geometric designs painted across surface; done in black. Top half of painting is divided into two vertical sections; both have long columns covering their entire widths. Columns in left section are decorated with zigzags, "X"'s, diamonds, and triangles. Columns in right sections are decorated with groupings of diagonal lines. Bottom half of painting is decorated with bands of diamonds; negative space between diamonds and band edges are decorated with horizontal and diagonal lines. Back of barkcloth is undecorated.
The barkcloth is made by men, beating a layer of tree bark until it is thin and pliable. Women paint the designs, which are often symbolic of their forested surroundings, using a mixture of charcoal and natural plant dyes.