Clay Palm Cosmetic Bag

The Patchwork Cosmetic Bag is a modern catch-all with cultural significance. Made from Ugandan Barkcloth, this is a perfect bag to carry your essentials in style.

Barkcloth is a venerated fabric with deep symbolic significance to the cultural and spiritual identity of Uganda for over 700 years. Made from the carefully harvested inner bark of the Mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis), barkcloth is produced in a long and laborious process using various types of wooden mallets with deep grooves to flatten the bark into supple cloth. Over a series of hours and days the bark is pounded out to an even cloth-like texture and develops its stunning signature colors that vary from terracotta to rust to deep cognac-brown. Black barkcloth gets it’s dark, earthy black color naturally by being buried in local clay for 2-3 days.  After each harvest, the exposed trunk is wrapped in banana leaves to protect it as new bark regrows. Trees can be harvested once a year for up to 60+ years providing a sustainable commodity while preserving cultural traditions.

Each piece of barkcloth is sourced from Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOTFA) who work to protect and educate about the ecosystem and importance of Ugandan barkcloth.

In addition to the economic benefits of barkcloth production in handcrafts, Mutuba trees store carbon and require limited water. The leaves also provide fodder to livestock and the figs dropped by the trees are eaten by the wildlife.

• Lined with handwoven black fabric made from 100% sustainably grown Ugandan Cotton, sourced through Cotton Made in Africa (CMiA).
• Plaited Palm stripe at center of bag
• Top zipper
• Pleated base

HANDMADE IN UGANDA

APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5.5" x 9"