Barkcloth

Barkcloth

Object name: Barkcloth
Date: 1790-1799
Dimensions:
865 x 560 mm
Medium: Barkcloth
Object number: C03210
DescriptionCloth made from decorated barkcloth, cut from a larger piece. Brought to England by Captain Wilson in 1796 after his trip to the Pacific in his ship 'The Duff' on behalf of the London Missionary Society.

Decorated barkcloth was often cut into smaller pieces for presentation. This piece lacks the undecorated white edge, indicating it has been cut from a larger piece. Barkcloth made for presentation at special events such as weddings can reach hundreds of feet in length.

Polynesia.
Culture: Oceania