pigments and etching on fungi

[storm]

while i was living in the pacific northwest, i collected a few artist's conks (Ganoderma applanatum). on one i depicted a raven with magnetite and hematite mineral paints (stabilized with mouse fat):

on another i etched a simple forest scene, with a tiny stick, while the pore surface of the fungus was still damp. it dried nicely and i loved doing this with students:

i used to allow students to handle these fungi during my Stone Age Skills programs, but now you can see the fingernail marks that have accumulated...

 

[stovie]

I assume that is a very traditional technique for painting in that area, using the haemetite and magnetite. is it traditionally applied with brush, or would some other technique be used?

I like the look of the raven, very stylised :You_Rock_