Mud cloth skirt c. 20th century

This 20th-century mud cloth skirt from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a fine example of the textile tradition of the Dogon people of Mali. The skirt is made of hand-woven cotton and features a complex geometric design in a traditional mud-dye technique. This technique involves applying mud resist to the fabric before dyeing it with indigo, creating a contrasting pattern of light and dark tones. The intricate geometric patterns seen in the skirt often hold symbolic meanings within the Dogon culture. The skirt's large size and detailed craftsmanship suggest its importance in Dogon society, perhaps for ceremonial or special occasions.