Bark Cloth Camp Collar

Late one afternoon at a market in Pennsylvania, I found a stuffed and dusted version of what once was a colorful bark cloth curtain originally from Hawaii. 

Originally, back cloth was made from the inner bark of trees found in the South Pacific and surrounding areas. The bark was soaked, then beaten into a paperlike fabric which was then dyed, printed or painted.

By the late 1930's barkcloth was being manufactured much differently in America and was especially popular in Hawaii. GIs and sailors stationed there during the Second World War often sent barkcloth - made with a dense weave and durability - back to the US after seeing it used in home furnishings. Common designs were florals, botanical prints, tropical prints as well as geometric and abstract 'atomic era' prints.

Manufactured in Hawaii. Sent home to Pennsylvania. Repurposed in Texas. My attempt at making a true “Hawaiian shirt” if there ever was a thing. Adorned w/ wooden buttons.

Model is 5'11