The Bogolan (made of mud) is a traditional handmade Malian cotton fabric (finimugu) dyed and painted with herbs and fermented mud. Ancestors made clothes out of these narrow strips of cotton. All kind of symbols and patterns were painted with mud on the clothes. Patterns that were believed to have the power to absorb dangerous forces released in life-threatening circumstances. That is why the ancestors also referred to the Bogolan as ‘medicine cloth’.
The AAAA Bogolan is created in harmony with nature. Locally grown herbs are used to dye and mud from the Niger River to paint the patterns.
Every Textile Totem pattern has been named by AAAA. Their ancestors taught them to make patterns holding a variety of protective and beneficial properties. They learned from their ancestors and like to pass it on but with a contemporary twist.
Atelier Autodidacts Anti Algorithm (AAAA) is a cooperation of Artisans from Mali. The Bogolan is an original Malian Textile art. All stages of the making of the AAAA Bogolans are done by hand. From picking the cotton, spinning, weaving, dyeing and painting. Making a Bogolan is a true slow art process and product.
The AAAA Bogolan is made with love and every piece is unique. The imperfections you may find in the weaving, print designs or embroidery make the product perfect.
Every Totem is packed in a Malinese cotton sleeve, accompanied with a beautiful booklet about AAAA, her artisans and their craft.
