Exceptional Tapa Cloth – Central Africa, Pygmy Peoples, Congo Basin A striking and finely preserved tapa (bark cloth) from the forest peoples of the Congo Basin, attributed to Pygmy communities. Crafted from beaten inner bark, this textile embodies a deep knowledge of natural materials and traditional techniques passed down through generations. The surface displays a subtle yet powerful interplay of texture and rhythm, created through careful beating and natural pigmentation. Such cloths were not merely utilitarian but carried social and ceremonial meaning, worn or displayed during important moments within the community. The organic irregularities and tactile quality give the piece a quiet, timeless presence. This tapa cloth stands out for its aesthetic balance, authenticity, and strong connection to the forest culture from which it originates. A rare and evocative example, equally compelling as an ethnographic object or as a contemporary wall textile. Origin: Congo Basin, Central Africa Culture: Pygmy peoples (attributed) Material: Bark cloth (tapa) Condition: Very good, with honest age and use wear We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol