Married Woman's Bògòlanfini Wrapper

This woman’s wrapper, worn tied around the waist as a skirt, was formed from eight strips of plain weave cotton that were dyed and sewn together. The term bògòlanfini means “mud cloth” in Bambara, a language spoken in Mali. Completing a single garment is a multistep process, with men weaving the cloth strips on narrow horizontal looms while women paint the background around the motifs using fermented mud. Bògòlanfini is used for both women’s, and men’s garments and specific geometric designs provide the wearer with protection and signify their status.