Bogolan ochre cushion cover

This cushion is a unique piece created from bogolan fabrics found in mali. One side is in ochre bogolan, the other in cream bogolan. A hand-woven fabric. Bogolans made by artisans from the segou region of mali. The bogolan which means "from the earth" in the bambara language is a cotton canvas woven by hand and then dyed with natural pigments. The artist then creates the freehand patterns with clay. When the clay is dry, the fabric is rinsed with water hence the name "mudcloth = mud cloth" used by the anglo-saxons. The symbolism of the bogolan is strong, indeed being dyed earth-based it is considered impregnated with vital energy. Traditionally this fabric had protection value for those who wore it. The drawings are characteristic of a region, a village or an artist. Bogolan and indigo textiles are made almost entirely by hand. Imperfections such as fading, pattern variations, design and paint stains, or seams where the panels are sewn together are to be expected. It is widely accepted that these unique attributes are not considered defects.

Ref. : 1HPDUQ81