Painting Item Number: 3527/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with abstract linear and geometric designs painted across surface; done in black. Thin vertical lines cover entire width of painting; small triangles, semi-circles, and an hourglass-shape are in the top right corner of the painting, in between the lines. Hourglass-like shape is black; semi-circles and triangles have semi-circular and dot decorations inside. 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.