You’ve seen it everywhere–those bold geometric patterns on pillows, throws, and wall hangings with earthy tones that feel both ancient and completely modern. But do you actually know what mudcloth is?

Here’s the honest truth: most people don’t. They see “Mudcloth Throw Pillow” on Amazon, think that looks cool, and move on. And there’s nothing wrong with appreciating beautiful design. But when you understand what you’re bringing into your home–the hands that made it, the meaning behind those triangles and zigzags, the centuries of tradition woven into every piece–that appreciation deepens into something real.

Let’s actually learn this.

What Is Mudcloth, Really?

Mudcloth, or Bogolanfini (pronounced BOH-goh-lahn-FEE-nee), is a centuries-old textile tradition from Mali, West Africa. The name literally means ‘made from mud’–bogo (mud) + lan (with) + fini (cloth). And that’s not an exaggeration. Authentic mudcloth is actually dyed using fermented mud from riverbeds. The entire process takes weeks, sometimes months, and has been passed down through generations.

The Actual Process

Here’s what goes into a real piece of mudcloth: Cotton is hand-spun and woven on narrow looms. The woven fabric is so geometric patterns. The iron in the mud reacts with the plant dye, creating deep browns and blacks. Total time: 2-4 weeks for a single piece.aked in a solution made from crushed N’Gallama tree leaves. Fermented mud (aged for up to a year) is painted onto the cloth in