Is there a reason why you chose not to post a photograph of the entire work including frame -- front and back? As a courtesy? Debora
It is a paper cut figure made by the Otomi Indians of Mexico, made from their traditional bark paper (amate).
There is debate over the use of the term tapa cloth, which traditionally is used to refer specifically to that which is made in the South Pacific islands. This is not from that part of the world, so perhaps the alternative term bark cloth would be better, in this case. The same process is used traditionally in several places besides the South Pacific (Mexico, New Guinea, Indonesia, parts of Africa and South America) as well as today by crafts people all over the world. Basically it describes a material that is not woven, but made from bark that is soaked and beaten. The process is similar to that of making paper, and the specific bark used will determine the type of cloth or paper, produced. Like 2manybooks pointed out, this is amate cloth, from Mexico.
The most I know about what you've posted is what I'm just reading here, but I do think it's very interesting!!! How on earth do you come across something like this!!! I really like the muted tones in it!!
