This unique Mali mud cloth was handspun by the women of the Bamana tribe of Mali. It is an art form which has existed for centuries. This cloth was made using the Bogolanfini technique. This technique was and still is used by the Bamana tribe to mark major life changes – almost like a milestone maker. Although many of the designs used by the Bamana people are traditional and historical, many of the artists also create the own patterns which over time also becomes traditional and acts like a marker to the changes in the culture.

In modern times the Mali mud cloth is used by artists to create cloth designs which can be used for clothing’s or wall hangings or throws. The particular cloth would be better suited as a wall hanging or a throw.

Like the majority of African hand spun textiles, this mud cloth is only spun into narrow strips. To make a larger piece the strips are stitched together to make a large cloth and then painted with patterns and symbols using river mud which has been aged up one year and a variety of natural dyes.

This Mali mud cloth is extremely lovely and can not only be used as an accent piece in decorating the home, but can also be used as a striking shawl.