{"id":15487,"date":"2013-03-27T08:02:54","date_gmt":"2013-03-27T14:02:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145705.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=15487"},"modified":"2013-03-27T08:02:54","modified_gmt":"2013-03-27T14:02:54","slug":"bark-cloth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainablog.org\/articles\/bark-cloth\/","title":{"rendered":"Bark Cloth: The History, Craftsmanship and Fashions of Uganda\u2019s Most Vintage Fabric"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n From runways to online shops, designers are incorporating bark cloth (or barkcloth) into their looks because of its sustainability and longevity. Fashion design extraordinaires Jose Hendo<\/a> and Christian Siriano<\/a> have used the vintage fabric to make stunning dresses and belts, while others have created trenchcoats<\/a> and shoes from the material. It\u2019s forgiving of dirt and stains, durable like leather and can be colored with plant and vegetable-based dyes<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named bark cloth making<\/a> one of the oldest crafts of humanity, even preceding the invention of weaving, many of you, like me, are probably relatively new to the topic. No worries; I\u2019ll share with you what I\u2019ve learned so far.<\/p>\n Class is now in session, and I\u2019d like to give you an overview about bark cloth, its origins and explain why it has staying power in sustainable fashions<\/a>. Bark cloth is the sacred fabric of the Baganda people who live in the Buganda kingdom in southern Uganda. It is harvested from the inner bark of a Mutaba tree (ficus natalensis<\/em>) during the wet season. The tree is left unharmed as only a thin layer of bark is cut, and bananas leaves are wrapped around the trunk until the next season in nine months.<\/p>\n The bark is heated with fire or boiling water and stretched to soften it; a 12 inch piece of bark can become a 120 inch piece of bark cloth. Craftsmen then pound the bark for hours with wooden mallets to give it a smooth, fine texture of fabric. But the process doesn\u2019t end there. The fabric is laid out for three days to dry and during this time it becomes a red-brown color. Take a look at a video posted by UNESCO<\/a>\u00a0to get a glimpse of the labor-intensive process of making bark cloth.<\/p>\n Bagandas wear the well-respected fabric in the style of a toga for special occasions like funerals, ceremonies and coronations. Royal families\u2019 bark cloths are dyed black and\/or white and worn in a different style to signify their status. As the fabric continues to grow in popularity, it\u2019s being used for many purposes including upholstery, curtains and bedding.<\/a> The durability and texture of bark cloth yields endless opportunities for the fashion industry; it may possibly become a permanent alternative to leather.<\/p>\n <\/b>With the introduction of cotton and modern conveniences, there\u2019s been a decline in demand for bark cloth<\/a> in Baganda communities. Nevertheless, we can help preserve this ancient craft by supporting designers whom incorporate the fabric into their looks. In turn we\u2019ll be giving monetary support to organic farmers<\/a> and their families who grow Mutaba trees and craftsmen who work to create one-of-a-kind bark cloths.<\/p>\n What are some of the coolest ways you\u2019ve seen bark cloth being used? We\u2019d love to hear what you think in the comment section.<\/p>\nA Crash Course on the Artistry of Bark Cloth Making<\/h3>\n
Help Preserve a Heritage and Culture<\/h3>\n