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Mbuti Barkcloth Gallery |
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Mbuti people live in the tropical rainforest of Ituri in the north east
of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire.) They are a hunter
gatherer people whose way of life has changed comparatively little over
the past century, still relying on the natural resources of the forest
for shelter, food, and much of their clothing. Mbuti continue to make
barkcloth using ancient techniques, unlike many other central and
eastern African peoples where the practice of making clothing from bark
was once widespread. Men strip small sheets of bark from certain
tress then pound them with a special mallet until the fabric becomes
soft and supple. The motifs are then painted by women using natural
pigments. The abstract designs are remarkable expressions of an ancient
culture.
More information on Mbuti barkcloths here Further reading: Mbuti Design by G, Meurant & R. Farris Thompson (Thames & Hudson, 1995) Pygmées? by R. Farris Thompson & S. Bahuchet (Musée Dapper, 1991) The cloths frequently have small holes where they have been pressed this or weakened during the pounding process. They can be displayed as they are, pinned to a wall, or can be framed or mounted on a stretcher. Full details of size of each cloth, together with price and ordering information, can be found with a larger picture by clicking on the thumbnail images. Please be patient as the images may take a minute to download. As with all our cloths we guarantee a full refund if you are not satisfied with any order.
(c) Duncan Clarke, Version 5/29/2008 |
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