Bark Cloth

An Ancient Craft

Bark Cloth is a primitive fabric made in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The outer bark of trees such as the fig, the breadfruit or the paper mulberry is removed; the inner bark is cut into narrow strips and then alternately soaked and beaten with a grooved or carved wooden mallet or beetle until the fibres are well matted and become thin and flexible.

Revitalisation of Bark Cloth Making in Uganda - a UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust project to save traditional skills.