The Artisans

Fred Mutebi is an artist and skilled woodblock printmaker. He is passionate about saving the dying art of barkcloth making and founded Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOTFA) to encourage the cultivation of Mutuba trees, to teach the Ugandan youth and provide them with employment.

The Team

Led by Vincent and Paul (9th generation barkcloth makers) the skill is passed on to younger members.

The Process

Barkcloth is only ever harvested during the rain season. First they test the tree is ready by making a small nick, they then scrape off the outer layer.

Once the outer bark is removed they cut horizontally round the trunk, then vertically to start to peel.

Using sharpened banana stalks they push the soft bark back

Until the whole piece comes away from the tree.

The tree is wrapped in banana leaves like a giant present – this protects it while it regrows its bark.

They then roll up the bark and take it back to the workshop to be processed

It is boiled in water for 5-10mins

Then beaten for hours with mallets made in different grades for desired thick/thinness. This process softens the cloth and can grow up to 5 times its original size.

Finally it is stretched and laid out to dry under the African sun!