Painting Item Number: 3527/21 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Square piece of barkcloth with abstract geometric and linear designs painted across surface; done in black. Painting is divided into nine sections with borders on the left and right sides; five sections across top half of painting, four on bottom. Borders are decorated with grids and plain lines; sections on left side of painting are decorated with intersecting lines. Sections on right side of painting have diamond-like grids; diamonds are a mix of plain, decorated with lines, or have plant-like motifs in their centres. 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.