Barkcloth panel

ca. 1900–50

Not on view

Barkcloth fabrics were worn as wrappers by men, women, and children. Composed of three panels finely sewn together with raffia, this example spreads open into the subtle shape of a fan. A central dark panel is flanked by two lighter lateral panels. This example’s small scale suggests that it was either made to be worn by a child or as a display piece. If worn, the fabric would have been gathered around the body, passed between the legs and secured at the waist with a belt, creating a form of puffy trousers.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Barkcloth panel
Artist: Mangbetu artist
Date: ca. 1900–50
Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uele River region
Culture: Mangbetu people
Medium: Barkcloth (Ficus natalensis or Ficus platyphylla), dye
Dimensions: (Approximate) H. 28 × W. 35 in. (71.1 × 88.9 cm)
Classification: Barkcloth
Credit Line: Gift of Georgia Sales, 2017
Object Number: 2017.676.1
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

From the same culture

By Mangbetu artist

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Chief's nogi (wrapper), Mangbetu artist, Bark cloth (Ficus natalensis or Ficus platyphylla), dye, Mangbetu peoples — Chief's nogi (wrapper)
Mangbetu artist
First half of 20th century

Negbe (women’s back apron), Mangbetu artist, Banana leaves, raffia palm fiber, natural dye, Mangbetu peoples — Negbe (women’s back apron)
Mangbetu artist
ca. 1925–50

Pipe Bowl, Mangbetu artist, Wood, pigment, resin(?), Mangbetu peoples — Pipe Bowl
Mangbetu artist
First half of 20th century

Domu (harp), Mangbetu artist, Wood, hide, plant fiber, twine, brass, Mangbetu peoples — Domu (harp)
Mangbetu artist
19th–first half of 20th century

Vessel, Mangbetu artist, Terracotta, slip(?), Mangbetu peoples — Vessel
Mangbetu artist
First half of 20th century

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