Authentic African mudcloth fabric--bogolanfini--Brown

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This unusual mud cloth is one of a number of pieces by some of the younger artists. Using the traditional hand spun and hand woven cloth, they add their own design elements, in this case, a brown tie dye effect. This creates a wonderful blend of old and new and a marvelous artwork! Mudcloth is a fabric traditional in Africa. The cloth is first handspun, then handwoven, usually of cotton and by the men of the village. The loom is hand-held and produces small strips which are then combined to form larger pieces of cloth. The women usually do the designing. First the item is soaked in a tea from the Bogolon tree native to Mali, Africa. This stain acts like a fixative for the colors to come. Then organic substances are mixed with soils (hence the "mud") and allowed to age, often for up to a year, until they reach the correct formulation. This process also takes years for the creators to learn, as not only hues, but also their reactions with cloth and fixatives must be known. Finally, they are individually applied according to the artist's desire. Various layers and combinations are used. Next, the work is soaked in a solution which brings out the patterns. If the color white is required, these areas need extra attention to rebleach with a soda. The entire process takes weeks to months for each item, not counting all the prior preparation by the artists and weavers. All patterns and colors on mudcloth have meaning. Often they are not the same across various areas. They may stand for status, people group, or even character. Black with white markings is used for storytelling or proverbs. The rust color represents blood from either hunting or war, and is particularly favored by the Fulani people. Cream is the natural cloth color. Some patterns are simply meant to be beautiful. Of course, interpretation may always be made by the observer! Our piece is a generous portion of fabric, suitable for decorative purposes or use in your own creative undertakings. Retail value is over $230.00 in specialty shops. For over a hundred different designs, sizes, colors, and styles of mud cloth and korhogo, please browse our entire gallery ! As this fabric is completely handmade, some slubs and unevenness may occur. It is totally unique! All measurements are approximate. If more than one piece is available, individual differences in shading, size, and design may be apparent; pictures are representative only. Condition: New Materials: Cotton; dyes Origin: Mali, Africa Dimensions: 49 x 66 inches Summary of My Selling Policies Payment METHODS ACCEPTED: Personal Check, Money Order, PayPalOTHER: Check requires 10 business days wait. Fees STATE TAXES: NoHANDLING FEES: Yes Shipping W SHIPPED: US/InternationalSHIPPING OPTIONS: USPS Ground, USPS Priority, USPS Other, Fedex UPS/Ground, Fedex UPS/OvernightCOST TYPE: Variable INSURANCE TYPE: Extra for USPS; UPS/Fedex includedOTHER: Also ship Airborne Express. Delivery WHEN SHIPPED: Within three business daysFREQUENCY OF SHIPPING: Every weekday, Saturdays Refunds & Returns ARE RETURNS ALLOWED: Anytime - No Questions AskedCONDITION OF RETURNED ITEMS: As received, Original/salable conditionTIMING OF RETURNS: 30 days after receiptITEMS SHOULD BE RETURNED USING: Customer's choiceRESTOCKING FEES: No Contact Me BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME: EmailI NORMALLY RESPOND WITHIN: 24-36 hoursDAYS I AM OFF: Usually none; Occasionally closed holidays/vacation BID WITH CONFIDENCE Read my policies on my SquareTrade Seal stwithpolicies read more

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