Bogolan Cloth (Mud Cloth)

Origin: Bambarra Tribe, Mali
Composition: cotton loomed in panels and stitched

This magnificent African textile is called Bogolan cloth or bokolanfini and is handmade by the Bambarra tribe in Mali. Commonly known as “mud cloth” in the Western world, these pieces illustrate extraordinary technique in textile work.

The process to make the cloth is incredible and inventive. First, the organically-grown cotton is woven into simple plain strips. It is then died using a solution made from the leaves of local trees, riverbed mud, tree bark and crushed stone. The dyed cloth is then dried in the sun and redyed (and redried) until the applied stained designs are removed, leaving an imprint, the result of which is what we now see. The process is extremely labor intensive.

Mud cloth has traditionally been used as clothing and for bedcovers and wall-hangings. They can be used for tablecloths, wall-hangings, pillow and chair cushions, and a multitude of other uses. The quality of these pieces is superior and each piece measures approximately 6’ x 4’. They also make wonderful gifts.

The pieces should be dry-cleaned or carefully cleaned with a solvent to “hold” or “colorfast” the natural stains