Thursday 13 July 2017

Which is one of the oldest dyeing techniques in Africa?

Africa has a long history of arts and culture. The textile industry of the continent delivers handmade clothes made in traditional style. African fabrics are known for their vibrant colours and beautiful designs. They are also a means for the outside world to acquire religious, social, and economical complexities of different communities of Africa. Each tribe represent themselves with different designs and techniques to make clothes. There are many African fabrics shop selling handmade clothes made of these fabrics in different parts of the world.

Dyeing is one of the best ways to design clothes and there are many dyeing techniques to create eye-catching designs.

Mud dyeing technique

One of the oldest and best ways to dye clothes in a certain part of Africa is mud dyeing. Clothes dyed in mud are made by women of Mali on special occasions like marriage, birth, and death. The clothes are dyed in black colour and then white coloured designs are made on it. The dyeing process involves preparation of cloth by soaking in pounded leaves of Bogolan, a native tree of Mali in a special solution. 

The colour of this solution is darker and it allows the dye to stick with the cloth. These dyes are made by taking the rich mud from ponds. The mud is mixed with water and fermented up to one year for preparation. Sticks, feathers reeds strips of bamboo etc. are used to apply mud dye on the cloth. There are many people who buy African fabrics online made up by this dyeing technique.

In ancient times, the mud dyed clothes were believed to have supernatural powers. The old technique was passed down through generations from mothers to their daughters. You will not find two clothes with similar patterns and designs. The social status and national identity can be revealed through these clothes.

If you want to buy African fabrics from the best online portal then contact us today.

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