Bark cloth panel c. 20th century

This bark cloth panel was made by Mbuti artists, part of the hunter-gatherer communities living in the Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the Mbuti, art is deeply woven into daily life and spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, women are the creators of these bark cloths, turning the inner layer of tree bark into canvases. The painted designs, often abstract and geometric, aren't just decorative; they echo the sounds, rhythms, and patterns of their forest home. The act of creating art becomes a communal expression, reinforcing social bonds and shared identity. These works often depict elements of the hunt, the forest, and the spirit world, representing a complex relationship with their environment. The use of natural pigments further emphasizes the connection to the earth and the resources that sustain them. In its creation and use, barkcloth reflects the intricacies of Mbuti life: their social structure, their dependence on the forest, and their rich spiritual world.