--- product_id: 42550933 title: "African Indigo Mud Cloth" brand: "authentic africa" price: "£4.63" currency: GBP in_stock: false url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/42550933-african-indigo-mud-cloth store_origin: GB region: Great Britain --- # Handmade in Mali 66" x 40" dimensions Natural cotton fabric African Indigo Mud Cloth **Brand:** authentic africa **Price:** £4.63 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Summary > 🌟 Elevate your space with a touch of tradition! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** African Indigo Mud Cloth by authentic africa - **How much does it cost?** £4.63 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/42550933-african-indigo-mud-cloth) ## Best For - authentic africa enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted authentic africa brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Unique Artistry:** Each piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, ensuring your decor stands out. - • **Versatile Decor:** Perfect for throws, wall hangings, or statement pieces in any space. - • **Cultural Heritage:** Embrace the rich history and symbolism woven into every thread. - • **Sustainable Choice:** Crafted from natural materials, making it an eco-friendly addition to your home. - • **Conversation Starter:** Bring a piece of Africa into your home and spark intriguing discussions. ## Overview This African Indigo Mud Cloth is a stunning handmade textile from Mali, crafted from natural cotton. Each piece features unique patterns that carry historical significance, making it not just a decorative item but a conversation starter. With dimensions of 66 inches by 40 inches, it offers versatility for various uses in your home. ## Description Bogolan cloth once despised as rural non-Islamic, peasant’s cloth has transformed into a symbol of national identity for Mali. The creation of most Bogolan cloth begins in the Beledougou Bamana area north of Bamako. The manufacture of this cloth is a long painstaking, laborious, process. It is woven by men on the local version of the narrow strip loom. First raw materials are hand processed and woven into plain white cloth strips about 12 centimeters wide. Next comes the dying primarily a woman’s craft passed from mother to daughter. After the cloth is washed and allowed to shrink while drying, it is then soaked in a brown solution made from pounded Bougalan tree leaves and other ingredients made by specialists. The cloth takes on an even yellow color that is ready for the application of mud dye designs. The mud that is used is collected from the deepest sections of the ponds. The mud is left to ferment in a covered pot for about a year. During this time it turns black in color. The potted mud is diluted with water when needed. The designs are drawn on the cloth section by using various width spatulas made of small pieces of Bamboo and flat metal. The main larger sections are marked off while lying flat on the ground. The smaller more detailed work is done on a woman’s lap with the section placed over a calabash. The entire process of washing, dipping in the leaf solution and painting with the mud dye is repeated after which a solution that includes caustic soda is applied to the yellow areas. These areas are exposed to intense sunlight for a week until the desired whiteness is reached. In normal practice the designs, patterns and motifs have clearly defined names or meanings. Traditionally certain patterns were used to protect women from hostile spiritual forces during transition into adulthood. Other motifs protected women from harm when confronting and killing powerful animals. This fabric is entirely handmade. ## Features - Entirely handmade mud cloth from the African country of Mali. - Certain patterns were used to protect women from hostile forces. - Natural cotton. No two pieces are exactly alike - Beautiful Indigo blue cloth with white motifs. - Dimensions: 66 inches long x 40 inches wide ## Images ![African Indigo Mud Cloth - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71R3SjAj3uL.jpg) ![African Indigo Mud Cloth - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/615Z5oscQAL.jpg) ![African Indigo Mud Cloth - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xqZPcjq1L.jpg) ![African Indigo Mud Cloth - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61qmUS67ibL.jpg) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/42550933-african-indigo-mud-cloth](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/42550933-african-indigo-mud-cloth) --- *Product available on Desertcart Great Britain* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-04-28*