Three very interesting Pygmy bark cloth drawings. These beaten barkcloth drawings were made by the Mbuti people of the Congo region of Africa. The Mbuti are among the oldest indigenous pygmy groups. They are hunter gatherers living in the Ituri rainforest who live in small bands of 15 to 60 people with a loose social structure. and no real political organization. These bark cloth drawings were sketched onto pieces of bark, pounded to make them supple and meant to be used as loincloths. Each drawing is an unique expression. Because of the warm climate in the rainforest the Mbuti wear little clothing and these bark cloths are important signifiers of each individual in the group. Using only sticks and natural pigments they create surprisingly beautiful and charming little works abstract of art. The largest of these three measures 16 x 32 inches. All three are complete and well preserved - with good age. The white ground piece is a delicate and animated composition. The smallest piece has a design reminiscent of fish scales, but the exact meaning of these designs is unknown. The "striped" abstract example is unusual.