Bark cloth making is an ancient craft performed by the people of Uganda for over 600 years. In a long and strenuous process, the inner bark of the Mutuba tree is beaten with different types of wooden mallets to make its texture soft and fine and give it an even color.
Bark cloth was once commonly worn by Ugandan men and women like a toga. Following the introduction of cotton by Arab traders in the nineteenth century, the wearing of bark cloth was reduced to ceremonial functions. Later, bark cloth production was banned along with other traditional practices, but more recently it is being encouraged and promoted, especially in the Buganda kingdom. Today, bark cloth craftsmen like those who make our products continue to have difficulties making a living from their craft.
Traditional Ugandan barkcloth making is recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a valued form of traditional craftsmanship in their Third Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
While bark cloth was traditionally limited to use as a type of clothing, today it is also used as a canvas for artwork and for other creative uses as well. At Ugandan Craft Market we sell a variety of bark cloth wall hanging artwork and may sell other bark cloth products as the opportunity arises.
Bark cloth was once commonly worn by Ugandan men and women like a toga. Following the introduction of cotton by Arab traders in the nineteenth century, the wearing of bark cloth was reduced to ceremonial functions. Later, bark cloth production was banned along with other traditional practices, but more recently it is being encouraged and promoted, especially in the Buganda kingdom. Today, bark cloth craftsmen like those who make our products continue to have difficulties making a living from their craft.
Traditional Ugandan barkcloth making is recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a valued form of traditional craftsmanship in their Third Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
While bark cloth was traditionally limited to use as a type of clothing, today it is also used as a canvas for artwork and for other creative uses as well. At Ugandan Craft Market we sell a variety of bark cloth wall hanging artwork and may sell other bark cloth products as the opportunity arises.