Abstract

Sociocultural examination of Ugandan bark cloth aims to harness new knowledge about the creative development potential of this natural fibre for future sustainable textile and apparel applications. A positional Pan-African approach elevates African heritage and the craftmanship of bark cloth making in Uganda, inscribed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This ancient practice and regenerative process involves cultivating cloth from the ‘mutuba’ natal fig tree, Ficus natalensis. Materials-led experimentation explored fabric manipulation and textile coloration methods using indigo dyeing and dye-resist techniques. Investigation attempts to advance understanding and alter perceptions of bark cloth through visual, material and physical probe and decolonial perspective.

Keywords

bark cloth, natural fibre, sociocultural, regenerative, textile futures, sustainability