Mbuti Barkcloth Panel, Democratic Republic of Congo

Soak the inner bark of a forest tree. Beat it until it softens and spreads. Then paint.

That is how the Mbuti of the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo make barkcloth, using a dark plant-based pigment, freehand. This panel is 20th century. Long wavering lines run the full height of the cloth like grain in wood or water, interrupted by small comb-like and hooked marks gathered in loose columns along the edges.

A pale cream ground, ragged outer edges and a soft horizontal fold. Fifteen by thirty-three inches.

It does not look arranged. That is the nicest thing about it.