Painting Item Number: 3527/24 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with various abstract designs painted across surface; done in black. Top half of painting consists of four squares with different linear and geometric patterns inside each one. Patterns consist of twisted ladder-like designs, triangles, "X"'s, groupings of vertical and diagonal lines, and wide wavy bands. Diamond shape in middle of design, where squares all meet; additional line decorations inside diamond. Bottom half of painting consists of long twisted ladder-like designs; groupings of lines and "X"'s throughout space between twisted ladders. 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.