Baule Cloth – Handwoven Textile from Côte d’Ivoire

Baule cloth, named after the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire, is a masterfully handwoven textile rooted in tradition and artistry. Made from locally grown cotton, each piece is dyed with natural pigments, sun-dried, spun, and woven on a traditional loom. The work is carried out by a Master Baule Weaver—a title that takes nearly a decade to achieve—ensuring every textile is not only functional but a true work of art.

Fabric Details

• Dimensions: approx. 69 x 43 inches (168 x 111 cm)

• Slight variations in pattern and hue may occur, reflecting the authenticity of handmade craft.

The Process

Each Baule cloth is woven on a loom, where artisans interlace cotton threads using age-old techniques passed down for generations. Natural dyes, often derived from plants, roots, and bark, give the fabric its rich, earthy tones and unique character.

Uses

• Home & Décor: wall hanging, throw, bedding, drapes

• Crafts & Design: pillows, upholstery, coasters, table runners, plant covers

• Fashion: tote bags, trousers, shirts, dresses, headwraps, accessories

• Gift: a timeless piece for any occasion

Care

• Dry Clean or Air Dry recommended

Wholesale available — contact us at hello@threadedtribes.com 

Dry clean, air dry or hand wash.

Origin & history: Baoulé textiles come from the Baulé (Akan) people of Côte d’Ivoire, with historical ties to broader Akan strip-weaving traditions dating to the Ashanti sphere from the 16th century. Historically worn for ceremonies and traded regionally, Baulé cloth features precise, complex patterns created from narrow woven strips stitched together.

Technique & look: strip-weaving on narrow looms (bands ~4–8 in / 10–20 cm wide) later hand-sewn into larger cloths; warp-faced layouts produce crisp geometrics and color-blocking, sometimes with supplementary patterning; typically softer drape than Korhogo, with chromatic variety from indigo to warm earth tones.

How we source: we work with a weaving community in/around Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. We established the relationship in person and continue to order directly; cloth is delivered in person or via bus to Ghana.

All our fabrics are treated to resist dye and keep their natural tones for years.

Threaded Tribes is plastic free and committed to a full re-use of scraps.

This outfit was hand crafted in our Accra workshop using local fabrics with careful water usage and waste management.