A new book on Bark Cloth published

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Celia Nyamweru, a fellow bark cloth enthusiast, worked with Dr. Catherine Gombe to publish Barkcloth in Uganda: The modern day importance of an indigenous craft. 

Here is a short excerpt:

The Baganda people of southern Uganda have been making cloth from tree bark for several centuries. Until the mid nineteenth century barkcloth was made in almost every Baganda homestead and had a wide variety of uses, ranging from the practical to the ritual and ceremonial. Political and economic events since then have brought about profound social and cultural changes, with resulting impacts on the role of barkcloth in Baganda society. While many of its more practical functions have been taken over by imported or artificial materials, its ceremonial role has survived, and new uses have multiplied. Barkcloth is now used to make artistic creations and craft pieces that are sold far beyond the borders of Uganda. In this book we describe the way in which raw tree bark is converted into the finished cloth. We look at the process, the product and the people involved in this industry. We describe the artists and craftspeople who make barkcloth items such as table mats, purses, wall hangings, lamp shades and articles of clothing. We look to the future of this product and the challenges faced by an indigenous craft in an increasingly globalized world. 

 

African Textiles a Hit on European Catwalks

This is a great article by Michael Scaturro, highlighting UGANDAN BARK CLOTH. It features a short interview with Mary Barongo from the German company, Bark Cloth Uganda.  
So glad that Voices of America highlighted this great material. 
I pulled a few photos and quotes from the article - so click on the link below to read it in its entirety.

African Textiles

"BERLIN — Textiles made from African barks are growing in popularity, especially in Europe.  Bark from Ugandan fig trees - the oldest fabric known to mankind - is now being used in home design, furniture, and lighting fixtures.

Model showcases a coat from Bobby Kolade's collectioni, featured at Berlin Fashion Week (Photo: William Minke)

 "Usually bark from a tree is very light, like fresh wood.  And the sun is what gives it this color.  It is something you cannot control," he explained.

"When it is in the sun it becomes darker," added Mary Barongo, co-founder of Bark Cloth, a company in southern Germany.  She imports the bark from her native Uganda.

"We take the finished product from the farmers, the bark-cloth makers, and then we modify it," Barongo explained. "So what Bobby Kolade uses has been modified by us.  Its natural color is reddish-brown."

The bark was named to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.  Shortly thereafter, Kolade discovered it could be used as an alternative to leather.