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Stripping the bark from the barkcloth tree, Uganda
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Stripping the bark from the barkcloth tree, Uganda
Stripping the bark from the barkcloth tree, Uganda. Barkcloth making is an ancient craft of the Baganda people who live in the Buganda kingdom in southern Uganda. The bark once stripped from the tree is hammered out with wooden mallets. Before the introduction of cotton, barkcloth was generally worn, but is now only used for ceremonial garb. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 14415964
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bark Feb17 Knife Stripping Technique Uganda Ugandan
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, a Ugandan craftsman meticulously strips the bark from the barkcloth tree, a significant cultural symbol of the Baganda people in southern Uganda. Dating back to the 1910s, this ancient technique is a testament to the rich heritage and resilience of African traditions. Barkcloth making is a deeply rooted industry in Ugandan culture, with the bark once serving as the primary material for clothing before the advent of cotton. The tree from which the bark is extracted is a unique and essential component of this traditional craft. The process begins with the skilled artisan using a sharp knife to make incisions in the tree's bark, carefully peeling it away in long, thin strips. Each strip is then hammered out using wooden mallets to create a pliable and intricately textured fabric. The resulting barkcloth is used primarily for ceremonial garb, reflecting the deep significance of this craft in the spiritual and social lives of the Baganda people. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the craftsman as he expertly extracts the bark from the tree. The image is a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between the Baganda people and their ancestral traditions, which continue to thrive in the face of modernization and globalization.
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