Painting Item Number: 3527/28 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with various abstract designs painted across surface; done in black. Top third of painting depicts a large tree framed by two smaller plants; small bird resting on upper branch of large tree. Middle section of painting is decorated with intersecting lines; circles and diamonds spread throughout, covering multiple points where lines meet. Bottom section of painting has a diamond-like grid with vertical lines evenly spaced throughout; "X"'s along lengths of straight 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.