Bark Cloth Or" Orubugo" as it is locally known,is an ancient craft.It was made  for The Royal wear & other people. It came on the scene around 1800in Uganda.It was used for the public as blanket at night& as a wear to cover peoples' bodies.By the texture of the fibre it was used towrap dead bodies in because it would absorb all the liquids.

 

 

 

How Bark Cloth is made:

1st Stage.

A "Mutuba"Or:"Mutoma"or Scientific name: Ficusnatalensis tree is selected very early in the morning, using a sharp knife to scrap off the fiber using a knife& a banana  stem to avoid injuring the fiber .it is then taken to a shade where
craftsmen work under a shade to prevent the bark from drying up.

 

 

 

 

2nd Stage.
The stem from which the Bark has been  harvested, is covered with green leaves so as to prevent the tree from drying up& to enable another bark to grow for future use.

 

 

 

 

 

3rdStage.
The Bark is then flattened by using wooden mallets& a plank of wood. There are three mallet sizes used.Small,Medium& Large grooves.The bark is then hit so much that it starts to spread to the size of the craftsman requires.The craftsmen have to avoid damages on the fibre as,Any slight cut on the fibre damages thewhole bark cloth and this one requires repetion of the whole process.The finished  Bark cloth is then dried & ready to be used.It should be noted that Barkcloth is never washed. it is only dried in the sun.In mordern times it may be drycleaned.This fabric can be used to make clothes to wear,Handicrafts and Decorations.

 

 

 

4th Stage: Finished barkcloth

N.B: A visit to see the production of Bark Cloth Making can be arranged with us. Contact today for more details