Painting Item Number: 3527/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with abstract linear and geometric motifs painted across surface; done in black. Top half of painting has vertical lines across width; smaller vertical lines frame either side of large ones. Bottom half of painting is divided into two sections, separated by a straight line with protruding diagonal lines at top. Left side has groupings of short plain lines, "X"'s, and curved lines framing straight lines throughout; one twisted ladder-like shape in top left corner. Right side of bottom half has long twisted ladder-like designs along width. 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.