Masi Kesa (Bark cloth)

Masi Kesa. Printed bark cloth with black and brown patterns. The edges of this Masi Kesa are decorated with lines. There are three rows of geometric motifs. There are two sections, one at each end of the masi, that consists of two circular shaped motifs, placed against black, with another circular motif within the shape, made up of short lines. The Masi Kesa consists of three pieces, with their ends glued together to form one long piece. Fold creases visible across the Masi Kesa. Masi is made from bark stripped from the Vuni Masi (Paper mulberry) tree. The outer skin is removed and the inner bark (natural in colour) is soaked in a papasia (large wooden bowl). It is then laid out on a duadua (long wooden anvil) and beaten with an ike (bark cloth beater).