241151 - Rare African Pygmy Mbuti Barkcloth Ituri Rainforest - Congo

Rare African Pygmy Mbuti Barkcloth Ituri Rainforest - Congo
Size; 100 cm x 54 cm.

The Mbuti, one of the oldest indigenous peoples of the Congo region of Africa, are one of many groups of indigenous pygmies. They are hunter-gatherers who live in the Ituri Rainforest. The Mouti consist of relatively small bands, ranging from 15 to 60 people. The Mouti, survivors of an ancient race that once spread across the African continent, now live in scattered bands, ranging from 15 to 60 people, who wander from one camp to another in search of food and shelter. The forest, seemingly inhospitable to outsiders, provides natural protection for the pygmies.
The Mbuti, a semi-nomadic people, produce easily transportable art objects. Clothing and body decorations are of course central. Bark cloth is the traditional clothing of the pygmies and was originally used as loincloths for ceremonies and dances. The large pieces were made by women to house their newborn babies. Because the trees were considered sacred, the bark was believed to have a protective quality.
Recommended reading: For more information and similar examples, see MBUTI DESIGN-PAINTINGS BY PYGMY WOMEN OF THE ITURI FOREST. by Meurant and Thompson.