Mudcloth Chevron Cushion in Ochre
Our handmade mudcloth cushions are made from genuine mudcloth from Mali. Mudcloth or Bògòlafini as it's known in Bambara the language spoken in Mali.
Traditionally made by men, they weave together thin strips of plain handwoven cotton fabric, usually a yellowish beige natural colour, into squares that were then stitched together. After the construction of the cloth, the fabric is then usually dyed by women in baths of leaves and branches. This process is used to bind the dye to the fabric.
The fabric is then laid out to dry in the sun, after which beautiful patterns would be intricately and carefully painted using a special kind of fermented mud. The mud was collected from numerous streams and ponds and left to ferment over seasons.
As the mud dries, it changes colours, from dark brown or black to a grey color. The excess mud is washed off the fabric and the process is repeated many times. With each repetition, the affected area becomes darker. The unpainted areas were treated with a bleaching agent, turning the natural yellow color brown. After sun drying for a week, the fabric is washed off and leaves the characteristic white pattern on a dark background.
We just love the earth tones of these beautiful cushions, they will compliment a neutral colour scheme very well. The backs of the cushions are plain cream cotton.
- Dry Clean or was on a cold delicate setting
- High quality feather cushion insert
- Handmade item
- Approx 45cm x 45cm
Please note, the traditional weaving methods used to create mudcloth textiles make each cushion unique. Knots and twists in the textiles are a mark of the handmade nature of the product and are not considered imperfections. Such variations are inherent in the manufacturing of handmade products, so you may find minor distinctions that make your Beldi Maison purchase special and truly one-of-a-kind.