If you are a person who loves simplicity and a great environmental enthusiast then a mud cloth pillow is one of the things to buy while traveling in Africa. The pillows are becoming popular among a lot of people simply because they easily blend in any interior or exterior setting. Simple colors which as black and white can marry any other color.
Mud cloth pillows are made with purely natural and environmentally friendly materials such as tree backs, fruits, and leaves. The fabric is 100% cotton and allergens can say goodbye to allergic reactions. Friendly to babies, plants, and pets.
Magic associated with mud cloth pillows
- Mud cloth pillows are made traditionally among the African communities. Men weave the fabric when women dye it by dipping the cloth into a basin of water made from the leaves and backs of a tree known as Anogeissus leiocarpa. The cloth is then sundried and designs painted on it using a piece of wood.
- Did you know you can use the pillows anywhere around the house? Or patio? Or your swimming lounge? Break the monotonous appearance of your couch pillows by using mud cloth pillows on the area around the arms. Alternatively, if you only have a carpet where people can sit, go for throw pillows that can be used to bring more style into your home.
- Did you also know that the cloth used to make mud pillows can be used as bedding, curtains, and throw blankets? Their natural and environmentally friendly material gives the home a natural fragrance and a fascinating look.
How to take care of your mud cloth pillows
- Do not use harsh chemicals on the fabric such as bleach, because it will remove the patterns on the cloth.
- Do not wash your cloth in a washing machine. Instead, gently cru the cloth and rinse with cold water before leaving it to dry.
- If creased, use medium heat to iron. Use the cotton ironing settings.
- Do not wash the cloth if unnecessary. Only wash the cloth if need be or if you notice a stubborn stain.
- Add some vinegar to cold water when washing the mud cloth. This will prevent the cloth from fading and losing its patterns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjyfzIZbLRs&t=30s
Meaning of mud cloth patterns
- Iguana’s elbow
Represents good fortune. Gives the confidence to achieve what one desires.
- Calabash flowers
They present prosperity and wealth.
- Beds of bamboo and millet
They show the position of a woman in the house and willingness to perform wifely duties.
- Farmers sickle
Represent tools of work you particularly like. A farmer had a sickle he liked so much and this pattern represented it.
- Spindle
This pattern is considered a sign of wealth and luxury as wealthy women used to lay their heads on them.
In conclusion, the mud cloth is a pure gem and can be incorporated into your living space when used to bring out a natural African look. This is one of the things you need to buy while traveling in Africa.