We are so excited to add a new selection of African Mud Cloth imported from Mali in West Africa. These pieces are all one of a kind and hand made. 

Mud Cloth is made using an intensive process which is generations old. The fabric is hand spun into individual cloth strips approximately 5" wide. Then, each strip is sewn together to form a piece the size of a wrap skirt or lapa.
The entire piece is then dyed in a tea made from the Bogalon tree found in Mali, West Africa. This tea acts as a fixative for the mud painted designs. These cloths are all hand painted, using specially prepared mud.

The unique designs are just wonderful to use as a wall hanging... or make something special for yourself to wear! The fabric is heavy weight, so makes perfect pillows, throws and other home decor items. I use one to make a fitted table cloth for my square dining table. I just hemmed the Mud Cloth all around and inserted elastic. It is easy to put on and take off and protects my antique table without the long hems of a regular table cloth that my dogs love to get tangled in!

Just one of the many things that makes traditional mud cloth so special is that each piece has a story to tell. Even the arrangement of the symbols on the cloth reveals something secret about the intended meaning, and this language of the cloth was passed down through the generations. There are some basic symbols that everyone agrees on – a twirl for life and a concentric circle to represent the world, for example. There are many African proverbs and other items of historical significance which are commonly portrayed in mudcloth as well. It is the language of a community and history.

Care: Pre-Wash if using for crafts or sewing. Always test a swatch prior to laundering for the first time. Mudcloth can be Dry Cleaned, Machine Washed or Hand Washed. If machine or hand washing, use cold water on gentle cycle using a mild detergent. Wash by itself the first time laundering. On the initial cleaning by any method there may be some fading. Dry flat or hang dry.

 http://www.flyingbulldogs.com/african-prints-mud-c...