What is Mud Cloth?
Mud Cloth is a handmade textile that originated in the 12th century in Mali, Africa. Mud Cloth in Bambara (Mali’s native language) translates to Bògòlanfini, Bogo, meaning “earth” or “mud,” lan, meaning “with” and fini, meaning “cloth.” The patterns on this type of textile are made using a fermented mud dying technique passed from generation to generation. Fashion designer Chris Seydou (1949-1994) is credited with introducing this beautiful textile to western countries through his designs.
Apartment No.3 Mud Cloth Pillows
How is the textile made?
Artisans start hand stitching several stripes of hand loomed fabric together to make a bigger piece of cloth. The piece is then dyed with vegetable dyes made out of leaves and branches and hung to dry under the sun. Once the textile is dry, artisans paint patterns of different symbols with mud for darker colors and with bleach for lighter colors, as the mud dries the excess is washed off and beautiful patterns remain printed on the piece of cloth. This process is repeated a few times until the patterns are stained on the pieces of cloth and won’t easily wash off.
Every symbol designed on this textile has a meaning, they are meant to communicate social status, character, occupations, fauna and flora and more. The meaning of these symbols vary from each region or ethnic group.
Below are a few symbols and what they represent.
The Rust Mud Cloth has become one of people’s favorite colors to decorate with in recent years, because this warm and neutral shade is very effective in adding an organic, cozy and earthy feel to any space. In Mali, the Rust color represents strong supernatural powers and it is associated with blood from hunting or warfare. An interesting fact about rust mud cloth is that hunters often wear clothing made out of rust Mud Cloth to blend in with the colors of the ground and camouflage themselves while hunting in the forest.
Apartment No.3 Mud Cloth Pillows
The making of Mud Cloth is time consuming and 100% handmade, each piece is made out of 100% Cotton and all designs are all one-of-a-kind.
Mud Cloth has become one of decorator’s favorites textiles for interior design because of its uniqueness, softness, earthy and organic nature and feel, and the beautiful story and tradition behind each piece.
Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash
You can find many unique Handmade Mud Cloth pillows at Apartment No.3. There is nothing like adding a one of a kind piece to your decor, especially one that is rich in cultural heritage and one that honors and values tradition. If you own an Apartment No.3 Mud Cloth Pillow you can now explain the story behind this intricate textile to your guests :)
Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Mud Cloth.
Have a great week!
The Team at Apartment No.3
