Mbuti Bark Cloth (Early 1900s)
Cultural heritage of Democratic Republic of Congo
design Details
Mbuti Bark Cloth
Mangbetu People
Early 1900s
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chief's nogi (wrapper)
Class: Textiles – Woven
Medium: Barkcloth and Dye Pigment
Dimensions: W. 74 13/16 In. × D. 78 3/4 In. (190 cm × 200 cm)
Description: Folded between and around the legs, nogi were held in place at the waist with a belt to create a set of voluminous trousers. Such personal items were often handcrafted by the wearer by pounding large sections of bark into fibrous cloth panels that were then sewn together with strands of raffia fiber. Intricate patterning enhanced a garment’s prestigious character, evident on this chief’s wrapper in the two narrow panels with sunburst and circle motifs. At the turn of the twentieth century, male members of the Mangbetu court displayed their elevated status by consistently wearing new nogi, whose edges extended stiffly above the belt. In contrast, those of lesser social standing maintained older nogi with edges softened by regular use.
(Source: The MET Museum website)
Painted barkcloth
Class: Textiles – Woven
Medium: Raffia palm fiber
Dimensions: W. 20 1/2 In. x L. 27 3/4 In. (52.1 cm x 70.5 cm)
Description: This painted barkcloth is made from the inner bark of a tree, a material traditionally used in parts of Africa for clothing and ceremonial purposes. The bark is softened through soaking and pounding, then decorated with painted designs. The linear and geometric motifs are more than decorative; they often communicate cultural identity, status, or spiritual meaning. The earthy colors and repeated patterns reflect values of rhythm, balance, and symbolism common in African textile traditions. This barkcloth highlights the skill of indigenous textile-making and the cultural significance of barkcloth as both a functional and symbolic material.
(Source: The MET Museum website)