Bogolon: Shaping Culture Through Cloth
Mar 22nd, 2011 by Isa2
If you are fascinated by the beauty and vigor of mudcloth, this book will inform you about traditional and contemporary examples of this fabric, known as Bogolon in the local language. Victoria Rovine did her PhD work in this field and and written a lively account of her experiences in Mali during the 16 months she spent there over the time period 1991 and 2000. Published by the Smithsonian Press, this book “Bogolon: Shaping Culture through Cloth” is an invaluable addition to the litany of work about traditional textiles of West Africa.
Ms Rovine spoke with elders in small villages and with young artists in Bamako who were pursuing this ancient craft in the modern vernacular. The book is replete with numerous beautiful photographs. Her thoughtful observations will answer your questions and provoke further thought about the role of fabrics in cultures the world over.
Seeing all the examples Rovine offers will also inform you about how strong a source of inspiration Bogolon has been in the realm of African Prints in the textile industry.
Enjoy,
Isa2
Thank you so much for letting us know about this book. I’ve been lucky enough to visited South Africa four times so far and hopefully more. I have a beautiful mudcloth and have always wanted to learn what the patterns are about. My last visit I bought twenty different miters of wonderful African cloth – I believe wax print – in Zambia and Heidelberg. I made sarongs and head wraps. I wear them the way the women do there – over my blue jeans or with leggings and my Uggs and silver concho belt. I’m making my own style! Hopefully will be able to visit your shop sometime. Thank you SO MUCH for all the great information!!! Dankie!
Thanks for your comment. I hope you are able to get to West Africa some time. Bogolon comes from Mali, where other fabrics are also made, and the hand decorated fabric that comes from Ghana is outstanding!!
Come to Maine to visit my shop!!