Vintage Indigo African Mud Cloth | Hand Woven Blue and White Patterned Throw Blanket | Light Woven Rug | Boho Chic Wall Tapestry Textile

「Features」
· 1960's vintage mud cloth. Very soft from repeated washings.
· 100% Malian cotton and natural dyes
· Handwoven in Africa
· The two tone blue and white indigos (Style 1-6) are made by the Samo people of Burkina Faso
· The multi color indigos (Style 7 & 8) are made by the Baule people of the Ivory Coast
· Contains repairs from over the years which add to its vintage charm and heritage.

「Style Inspiration」
Nothing makes a fashion statement like mud cloth! It is an extremely versatile fabric that can be used as a throw blanket, wall tapestry, floor rug, or be transform into bedding, upholstered furniture, statement curtains or cushions. No wonder it's having a major design moment! You'll find it some of the most stylish designer homes.

「History」
African mud cloth is a very special textile hailing from African. Most mud cloth is produced in Mali, in the Western Sahara region. The term "mudcloth" is loosely translated from Bambara, the language spoken in Mali. "Bògòlanfini" as it is called in Bambara, combines three root words: "bogo" meaning earth or mud, "lan" meaning 'with', and "fini" meaning cloth. The handmade Malian cloth dyed using fermented mud, giving it its name-sake. The tradition dates back to the 12th century.

Traditionally made by men, thin strips are woven together. After the construction of the cloth, the fabric is then dyed 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, then beautiful patterns would be intricately and carefully painted using a special kind of mud. The mud was collected from numerous streams and ponds and left to ferment over seasons.

As the mud dries, it changes colors, from dark brown or black to a gray 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.

「Patterns」
Bògòlanfini patterns are rich in cultural significance, referring to historical events (such as a famous battle between a Malian warrior and the French), crocodiles (significant in Bambara mythology) or other objects, mythological concepts or proverbs

「Dimension」
Style #1-5 approximately 65" L x 50" W
Style #6 is 64" L x 36" W
Style #7 & 8: 56" L x 40" W
There are variances due to their hand woven nature. Please reach out if you need exact measurements.

「Condition」
The indigo mud cloths are 1960's vintage and quite hard to find. They contain repairs from over the years, which add to its heritage, look and charm. The imperfections of the weave, dye, stitch, and painted design are a natural characteristic, and serve to enhance the individual uniqueness and charm of each handmade tribal textile.
Edges have been trimmed so it's ready to use immediately!