This is an important resource for designers, textile lovers, and African art scholars. Over 200 color photographs beautifully illustrate the mud-cloth art of the Bogolan people in Mali, Africa. Their art form, in which geometric, abstract, and semi-abstract patterns are hand painted with mud dyes on hand woven cloth, has gained enormous popularity internationally. Informative text, by noted African art historian Irwin Hersey, examines the evolving cultural role of mud-cloth art, and gives technical information about traditional methods of its production. The mud-cloth designs featured in this book come from African artists, who have depicted scenes of African village life, and exciting geometric and abstract patterns in rich earth tones. The CD included with the book contains over 200 patterns, and is compatible with most graphic, design, and editing programs.

Coveted by museum curators and private collectors alike, here is an opportunity to view an unprecedented collection of striking raffia artwork, all in one volume. These velvety embroidered raffia cloths and ceremonial applique skirts were created deep in the heart of the Congo by the Kuba people. They are the collaborative work of male weavers and female embroiderers whose efforts and painstaking techniques have resulted in intricate, eye-dazzling abstract designs that rival pop art, executed with a palette of vegetal dyes that is universally appealing. Each unique, these masterful works have inspired innumerable Western artists and designers including Paul Klee, Henry Matisse, Eduardo Chillida, Georges Braque, and Tristan Tzara. With more than 400 raffia cloths pictured, this book will inspire artists and graphic, fashion, and textile designers. Additionally, a value guide makes it an invaluable reference for collectors.