A UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, crafted from nature and tradition.
Lubugo, often called barkcloth, is a natural fabric made from the inner bark of the Mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis). For centuries, it has been more than material — it is a living symbol of Buganda’s identity, spirituality, and connection to the land. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Lubugo carries with it the prestige of history and the beauty of African craftsmanship.
Deep in central Uganda, within the ancient Kingdom of Buganda, Lubugo was the fabric of kings and communities alike. Worn during rituals, ceremonies, and even burials, it was revered as both cloth and sacred skin — a second nature binding people to their ancestors. Each piece embodies Buganda’s philosophy: respect for nature, communal identity, and artistic endurance.
The bark of the Mutuba tree is carefully stripped without killing the tree. Within a year, the tree regenerates — a testament to sustainable practices.
Using heavy wooden mallets, artisans rhythmically beat the bark until it softens into a pliable fabric — an art passed down through generations.
The cloth is spread out to dry under the African sun, turning into its signature copper-brown hue — each shade unique, like a fingerprint.
Once softened and smoothed, Lubugo becomes ready for ceremonial wear, upholstery, art, and cultural preservation.
Lubugo is more than a textile; it is a cultural fabric woven into life and death. It clothes the living during sacred events and shrouds the departed on their journey to the ancestors. In Buganda, it was once a symbol of royalty — Kabakas (kings) and chiefs dressed in Lubugo during court and rituals. Across Africa, barkcloth traditions connect communities, symbolizing resilience, spirituality, and unity with nature.
Today, Lubugo continues to inspire fashion designers, artists, and cultural custodians. From haute couture runways to contemporary art galleries, it bridges past and present, telling Africa’s story through a living, breathing fabric.
When you acquire a piece made of Lubugo, you are not just buying fabric. You are inheriting centuries of cultural prestige, and natural beauty. Each fold carries the heartbeat of Buganda’s traditions and Africa’s enduring artistry.
Working with barkcloth is a deeply rewarding process that adds a rich, organic dimension to my art. Because I integrate a raw, handmade textile with traditional canvas, the preparation is more extensive than with canvas alone, but the unique result is well worth the extra care.
The process begins with the canvas. Once it’s properly stretched, I apply a white primer followed by a dark brown base coat. This dual priming ensures a rich, unified surface where no white peeks through, setting the tone for the layers to come.
Each barkcloth piece has its own character — texture, thickness, and patchwork. I choose the one that best complements the artwork’s mood. The chosen piece is carefully glued and stretched over the canvas until the two merge seamlessly. Once dry, any excess material is trimmed to create a clean, even surface.
A thin brown coat seals the barkcloth — keeping paint from soaking in while preserving its natural tone and texture. The piece is then set in the sun for a few hours to fully cure, preparing it for painting.
I begin with a light black sketch, which serves as both a guide and an underpainting. From there, I build color gradually — applying thin, translucent layers to preserve the barkcloth’s organic texture. This slow layering process gives the finished piece its depth and warmth without masking the natural fabric beneath.
This layered technique is a conscious decision to take advantage of the raw material. Every piece of handmade barkcloth has inherent differences in texture and grain, meaning that each stretched piece is a unique artwork even before the first brushstroke. By maintaining this natural texture, I ensure that no two finished pieces are ever the same, allowing the organic beauty of the barkcloth to contribute significantly to the final work.
