Mud cloth skirt c. 20th century

Editor: This is a 20th-century Mud cloth skirt from Mali, made of woven cotton. Its geometric patterns remind me of minimalist designs, yet something about its handmade quality feels ancient. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The power of mud cloth, or *bògòlanfini*, lies in its deceptive simplicity. Each symbol woven and dyed isn't just decoration; it's a coded language. Imagine a woman, sitting for hours, perhaps weeks, imbuing each shape with stories, proverbs, prayers, secrets. Editor: So, the pattern isn’t random. Is there a key? Curator: Precisely! Unfortunately, the specific meanings can be culturally sensitive, and sometimes deliberately obscure to outsiders. Think of it as a form of visual poetry, each element playing a role, sometimes concrete, sometimes deeply allegorical. Look closely, what kind of dialogue do you imagine it creates with its wearer or community? Editor: Maybe… resilience? The repeated patterns feel grounding, like a visual mantra. It feels like an armor almost. Curator: That's a powerful observation! *Bògòlanfini* traditionally holds protective properties, worn during significant life events—rites of passage, hunting expeditions, even childbirth. Your "armor" resonates perfectly. Editor: I love how something that seems so abstract can carry so much meaning. Curator: And how its meaning can shift with each observer. We all bring our own narratives to the weave, don’t we? This cloth is as much about *us* as it is about them.