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If you have recently bought a couch or are just looking to redecorate your old one, you are probably looking for something that stands out. You might have visited your local shop quite a few times but only ended up with products that are not worth the price they ask for. However, with the recent boom in the mud cloth industry, this is not a worry anymore.
Mud clothes, locally known as the Bògòlanfini, are a hand-dyed, century-old textile art. Nevertheless, it fits the recent trends as well. This woven textile gained popularity amongst interior designers a few years ago for its durability and unconventional look. However, recently it is has become a go-to for pillows in particular.
This article further talks about the origin of mud cloths and how it can aptly suit your home décor.
Growth of the Art Form
Although a slow start, this rich art eventually made a name for itself in the creative business and home décor. It was first founded in West Africa by the women of Mali’s Bamana culture. An authentic mud cloth typically takes two to three weeks to be manufactured.
It was invented in the 12th century. However, after its hype grew, marketers started buying wholesale mudcloth pillows and exporting them to big cities not too long ago.
It is made by applying one to two coats of colored mud on an undyed cloth. This process further makes patterns on the cloth, which often have specific names and meanings. Since this art form is mainly founded in Mali, it has quickly become the top exporter of such goods.
Although you can always find DIY and tutorial on making it on the internet, it will surely lack authenticity. With this art form’s growth, it is gradually making its way into wall hangings, toss pillows, and other such industries.
How Are Mud Pillows Made?
The fabric uses narrow strips of cotton cloth, which are woven on looms in villages. After stripping them out, they are sewn together by hand to make the fabric wide to use for pillows, clothing, etc. after the fabric’s desired size is reached, the fabric is dyed to make it ready for painting. Whilesss freehand drawings with toothbrushes are the most predominant, sometimes artists use stencils as well. Further mentioned below is the painting process in detail.
In spite of wholesale mudcloth pillows sales, what makes mud pillows so special is their unique designs. These designs are not predetermined since it is done with organic materials like leaves and mud, which have no particular shape. Firstly, a leaf of the n’gallama tree is used to dye the cloth. After that, the cloth is dyed with mud. The mud undergoes specific treatments and is fermented for over a year first.
Once the dyed cloth has dried, the second phase is where the vibrant patterns are painted with soap or bleach. While monochrome (back and white) designs are the most common, other colors like brown, blue, and red are sometimes used. The uniqueness, along with the quality of these products, is what makes them so widely appreciated all around the world.
In Conclusion, Even though original mud cloth can be a bit pricey, it is worth every penny. A ton of laborers must make this one of a kind cloth and balances the modern feel of city houses with its traditional look. This hand-spun and the woven fabric has undoubtedly made a name for itself outside of the manufacturing country and for all the right reasons. You would not be disappointed with how it accentuates your home décor.