Barkcloth c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have a piece of Mbuti barkcloth, dating from around the 20th century. Editor: My first thought? It's singing a quiet, earthy song. I mean, you can practically smell the forest floor. Is it just me, or does this piece just feels wonderfully, imperfectly human? Curator: It's the medium, isn't it? Beaten bark is the canvas and pigment is applied, often soot or plant-based dyes, to create these designs. Editor: So, not your usual linen. The texture reminds me of parchment, or maybe well-loved notebook paper with stories pressed into its fibers. It's the sort of thing you want to reach out and feel, isn't it? Curator: Exactly. What's interesting about Mbuti barkcloth is its role within their society. While aesthetically beautiful to our modern eyes, these cloths traditionally served as garments or shelter and they are also tied to important social and ritual functions. Editor: Functions… rituals... Okay, that's cool. Tell me more. Curator: The application of designs onto the barkcloth often happens communally, and they are related to Mbuti music and dance. Think about the making as a living process deeply rooted in their culture. These textiles, in their creation and their function, reveal so much about community and Mbuti identity. Editor: Which is something you totally feel when you stand in front of it. It's not just decorative, it is an extension of the life force. For something seemingly so simple, this cloth speaks volumes, doesn't it? Makes you consider how everything from the humblest object is touched by our spirit, no? Curator: Precisely. And understanding that changes the way we see, not just art, but our own world too. Editor: Right, well, thanks for that. My soul needed the exercise!