Mud Cloth (Bogolan or Bògòlanfini) Animals from Mali, Africa
These whimsical stuffed elephants and giraffes are made by a women's
association called "Sininyesigi" or "Plan the Future".
The group was started in 1995 by several women who live in Segou, a town
about a half day's drive from Mali's capital, Bamako.
The traditional cloth of Mali is called bogolan or bògòlanfini, known here as mud cloth.
Traditionally men weave the cotton and women create the designs, although the roles
have become interchangeable today.
It starts out as hand spun cotton, made on site.
Then an elaborate process of dying with the mud and bark takes place.
The dying, pattern cutting, sewing and stuffing with cotton of these elephants and giraffes is done by the women.
The elephants and giraffes come in 3 sizes, and the sizes are fairly consistent since they
use a pattern to cut the cloth.
The mud cloth designs differ, so no two animals will have exactly the same mud cloth pattern placement.
Mud Cloth Giraffes from Mali, Africa
Small
Height: 9"
$12.00
Medium
Height: 12"
$16.00
(Sorry - out of stock)
Large
Height: 16"
$22.00
Tree bark makes light brown color, while mud makes the dark brown/black color on the fabric.
White is the absence of mud, and is made by applying a special soap and a touch of bleach
(which speeds up the process). Then the fixer, from a tree bark, creates the yellowish color.
Mud Cloth Elephants from Mali, Africa
Small
Tail to Trunk: 6"
$12.00
Medium
Tail to Trunk: 9"
$16.00
(Sorry - out of stock)
Large
Tail to Trunk: 12"
$22.00
This is a photo of the President and Vice President of the women's association in Mali, Africa.
In addition to earning enough income to be financially independent, the group also provides community
services such as day care, a store and basic work equipment.
They also strive to make the community aware of the dangers of AIDS/HIV and other STDs,
the importance of nutrition and family planning, and the education of illiterate girls.
Designs on the mud cloth all have traditional meanings. For example, a circle inside another circle
represents a heavenly body, and a cross represents the intersection of two paths
and the responsibility of choosing to help others. You can help this group help others through your
purchase of these mud cloth stuffed animals.
And don't forget to visit
our CLEARANCE PAGE frequently!
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Aid to Artisan Trade Network.
We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner.
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