Painting Item Number: 3527/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Rectangular piece of barkcloth with various abstract designs painted across surface; done in black. Painting is divided into four horizontal sections. Top band consists of diamonds and triangles decorated with diagonal and horizontal lines; multiple stripes underneath main design. Second section consists of rows of alternating triangles; triangles alternate between plain and decorated with diagonal lines. Third section is made up of three rows decorated with triangles, diamonds, and intersecting lines; short plain lines, "I" shapes and circles throughout. Bottom section of painting has a variety of designs, including irregular shapes, triangles, zigzags, circles, plain and curved lines, and twisted ladder-like shapes. 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.