Mudcloth is a centuries-old, hand-dyed textile art originating in Mali, West Africa. Known locally as Bògòlanfini, authentic mudcloth takes weeks to create, with each piece built up through one to two applications of richly pigmented riverbed mud onto undyed cotton cloth. Handmade. 100% cotton.

Fabric Details
Approximate dimensions:
67 x 42 inches

Due to the handmade nature of this fabric, slight variations in pattern, a faint organic scent, minor dust presence, or small spacing irregularities within the weave may naturally occur. Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions.

Process
Cotton strips are woven on narrow looms, then stitched together into larger cloths. The cloth is soaked in a dye bath made from mashed and boiled leaves of the n’gallama tree, turning it a rich yellow before it is sun-dried.

Designs are then hand-painted using fermented riverbed mud, carefully and repeatedly applied to trace intricate motifs. Depending on the colorway, additional treatments are used to set, lighten, or remove dye from unpainted areas, producing the finished cloth’s characteristic contrast between pattern and ground.

Uses        
Decoration · Crafts · Fashion · Gifting
(wall hangings, throws, bedding, pillows, upholstery, tote bags, garments and more)

Mudcloth — known as bògòlanfini or bogolan — is a handwoven cotton textile from Mali, dyed by hand using fermented mud and natural plant pigments including leaves, bark, and roots. The patterns carry deep cultural meaning and are applied entirely by hand, making each piece unique. The organic dye process makes mudcloth particularly sensitive to water and harsh chemicals.

• Dry clean only — this is the safest and most recommended method for preserving both colour and pattern. We recommend Sparrows Laundromat, Osu. 

• If spot treating is absolutely necessary: use a mild, chemical-free soap such as castile soap and cold water on the specific area only — do not soak

• Do not use regular detergent

• Do not wring, twist, or tumble dry — lay flat to dry in the shade away from direct sunlight

• Iron inside out on low heat while slightly damp, using a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric

• Some colour variation over time is natural and adds to the character of the piece

Shipping: orders that are not tagged as ‘pre-order’ will be shipped within 12 working days of purchase and typically arrive within 2–5 working days after shipping. Pre-orders will be shipped within 12 weeks of the order date.

Customs fees may apply depending on location.

Returns: orders can be returned within 3 days of reception. Check our full Return policy here.

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.