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Men weave the coarse fibers into narrow strips of cloth. The strips are
then sewed together to achieve the desired width.
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The narrow white cotton strips are gathered into rolls, awaiting the creative
process to begin.
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Dyeing Process
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The plant and tree fibers, called changara and ingalama* are combined
and boiled.
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After receiving the initial dyeing from boiled crushed leaves, the prewashed/preshrunk
cloth quickly dries in the hot Bamako sun. The dyeing is repeated a second
time.
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Gathered mud which has fermented
in pots for a year is now ready to be applied, creating dark, black design.
The area (often negative space) is first outlined in black mud with a
brush, stick, or other tools. Then the inside is filled in with a larger
utensil. Stencils are sometimes used. The material is then washed, removing
excess mud.
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The black areas are gone over a second time to ensure a deep, rich black.
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After applying the second natural dye
color, the cloth is once again drying in the sun
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This Bambara widow applies a white paste, a mixture of local soap,
barakatigi* and javel, bleaching the area white.
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Finished bogolan cloth is displayed in
the Dogon village of Endé
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Finished bogolan wares for sale at the Widow's Cooperative in Salabougou,
Bamako, Mali. Proceeds help support the widows
and their children. The Association et Femmes Veuves et Enfants Désheriétes
("Widows and Deprived Children's Cooperative") has 5 employees and
40 active members to date.
If interested in making a purchase, contact
Founèmousso on her cell phone: (223) 617-85-04 or her friend (223)
602.69.90
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*spelling uncertain |
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© 2003 Melissa Enderle
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