Mud cloth c. 1980s

This mud cloth, created by Deoume Diarisso in the 1980s, is a beautiful example of the intricate textile art of the Bwa people of Burkina Faso and Mali. Made from cotton, it showcases a complex pattern of white crosses within diamonds, surrounded by a geometric border. This intricate design is created by using a resist-dyeing technique, where mud is applied to the fabric before dyeing, leaving the un-mudded areas white. The cloth, measuring 43 1/4 x 53 inches, is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Bwa people.