Married Woman's Bògòlanfini Wrapper

<p>This woman’s wrapper, worn tied around the waist as a skirt, was formed from eight strips of plain weave cotton that were dyed and sewn together. The term <em>bògòlanfini</em> means “mud cloth” in Bambara, a language spoken in Mali. Completing a single garment is a multistep process, with men weaving the cloth strips on narrow horizontal looms while women paint the background around the motifs using fermented mud. <em>Bògòlanfini</em> is used for both women’s, and men’s garments and specific geometric designs provide the wearer with protection and signify their status.</p>