The dark/black colors are from tree sap. Red comes
from plant dye or paint.
These elaborately decorated bark cloths were used to
make huge masks for their fire dances, healing masks,
skirts & penis covers. Fire dances and bark cloth masks
are famous throughout Papua New Guinea. Feasts and
dances are the only events that bring neighboring villages
together. Construction of masks and food preparation for
feasts requires at least 2 months of village effort. Villages
invited as guests return the invitation later. First, the outer
bark is scraped off down to the inner bark. The inner bark
is beaten to loosen it from the branch, then slipped off like
a sock. It is beaten thinner if necessary, then washed and
stretched to dry.
NOTE: Do not place in direct sunlight as colors may fade.
Length: 66" x Width: 28"
Priced as is due to wear.
