Monday, March 21, 2011
The African Mud Cloth
What is a mud cloth?
Mud cloth is a distinct African craft of utilizing mud solutions on cotton cloth. It is also referred to as Bògòlanfini, a handmade cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud of Malian origin and heritage. It employs a century old process using innumerable applications of diverse plant juices and mud to dye a cloth. Nowadays, it has spread across the globe as a fabric used for fashion, decoration, and arts.
The Secrets behind Each Piece of Mud Cloth
Each mud cloth is unique with a lot of varied stories to tell and different meanings to convey. The secrets lie behind the symbols, patterns, arrangements, geometry, colors and shapes of the African mud cloth. Since each fabric portrays different meanings, Africans take careful thought when wearing this cloth. They believe that what they wear is a reflection of the person that they are. Some patterns may show superiority, wealth, bravery, tradition, fortune, social status, characters, and some may reflect their occupations. Assortment of patterns is endless and may vary from region and ethnic group. Symbols would range from calabash flowers, spindle, iguana’s elbow, farmer’s sickle, beds of bamboo and millets and so many more. You may also find some secrets behind each color interesting. Black with white designs tells a proverb. Rust color symbolizes supernatural powers common to hunters. White signifies femininity and used only for ceremonial events.
The Evolution of the Mud Cloth
Though to some, meanings may not be widely known, it has still evolved and became extremely celebrated even throughout the western domain. Its exceptional and remarkable craft brings out textiles that are rich, elegant and exotic bestowing the fashion world with versatility.
The Mud Cloth Dress (from http://www.afrawear.com)
Needless to say, the dress is made of the unique textile called mud cloth that is hand-spun and hand-woven to bring about a style that showcases the artistry, heritage and beauty of the African woman.
If you own a mud cloth dress and want to share your experience with us, post a comment coz we would love to hear from you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
“I love prints, oh I love them all, and I can’t get enough of them. But how can I pull off a look that is not revolting and a total boo-boo?...
-
Africa wedding clothing reflects long-standing social norms. You will find as numerous African wedding ceremony traditions as you will ...
-
It may not have all the allure of New York or Paris but Dakar is quickly making its name as a force to be reckoned with in fashion stakes...
-
Mya, an American music artist, is set to design pieces for the next African brand Kosghie O collections as part of “Koshie O Woman” cam...
-
“It had always been my personal advocacy that all women possess natural beauty – inside and out. It was a long and arduous journey for me...
-
Just as big the African continent is, the African dresses and customs are vast too. It might take you years to discover the mystery beh...
-
Part 2: Irresistible Finds @ Afrawear Afrawear never cease to surprise me! They’ve got all the best and most exquisite pieces I am just d...
-
There is no doubt that Africa, with its vastness of space and diversity of culture produces the most distinctive forms of African style cl...
-
Collection of long dresses has become a fashion staple for almost every woman. They have in fact become versatile and appropriate for every ...
-
Yesterday, I went to this vintage store in the outskirt of Johannesburg and I saw these beautifully-crafted designs of a common African hat...
Blog Archive
-
▼
2011
(84)
-
▼
March
(25)
- If you were a dress, which dress would you be?
- Finding the Perfect Accessory for the African-Amer...
- The Power of a Dress
- Shoe-Buzz
- Beyond Fashion
- Care for the African-American Hair
- The Fearless Prints
- Want to Shake Up Your Personal Style?
- African Fashions: A Glimpse of Summer
- The African Mud Cloth
- Black in the Runway
- Colors to Impress
- Dress to Impress
- Fashion Blunders
- Color Me Beautiful: Make-up Tips for African-Ameri...
- Uncover African Fashions
- The African Kente
- Embellishing Reality
- Black Beauty: Facts and Myths
- What is a Kaftan?
- African Beauty: Tricks and Tips
- Experience Africa Through the Eyes of a Fashionista
- African Fashion: A Culture Portal
- 5 Things You Need to Know About African Fashion
- When Fashion Meets Culture
-
▼
March
(25)
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.