IncredibleEarth.co.uk
Tribal art, unique curiosities and works of art.
PYGMY MBUTI BARKCLOTH |
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PYGMY MBUTI BARKCLOTH £45 |
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Bark cloth is made by the pygmy Mbuti people of the Ituri Forest
in the Congo. They have lived in this region for approximately
4,000 years and their barkcloth is an important part of their
culture. It can be used for clothing such as loincloths. Larger
pieces were made by women to be worn when giving birth. To the
Mbuti, trees are sacred so the bark will give them powers and
protection. After suitable trees are chosen by women, the men
strip an inner layer of the softer bark and create the cloth by
beating it until it is pliable. The painting of the cloth with
symbols and stories is usually done by women who make the colours
from charcoal, vegetation and fruit juices.
This
wonderful piece has some age to it. It is very approximately 59cm
x 26cm and is in great vintage condition and is quite robust.
Mbuti barkcloth is highly collectable and can be enhanced by framing,
though it is strong enough to mount on a wall without protection. |
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