Ugandan Bark Cloth: The Art, History, and Cultural Meaning

Date: June 30, 2025

When we talk about Uganda’s rich culture, one item that stands out is the bark cloth. This simple but beautiful fabric, made from tree bark, has been part of Uganda’s identity for hundreds of years. It's not just cloth—it’s a story of tradition, skill, and pride.

Bark cloth, or "Olubugo" in Luganda, is more than just material for clothes or decor. It carries deep cultural meaning, especially among the Baganda people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Uganda.

What is Bark Cloth?

Bark cloth is a handmade fabric made from the inner bark of a special tree called the Mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis). This tree grows naturally in central Uganda and is valued not only for its bark but also for its role in the environment.

The tree isn’t cut down to make the cloth—only the bark is removed, and the tree grows back again, making the process sustainable and eco-friendly.

The History Behind Bark Cloth

The art of making bark cloth in Uganda goes back over 600 years. It was once the main fabric used for clothing in Buganda, the kingdom in central Uganda. Kings, chiefs, and even everyday people wore it with pride.

Bark cloth was linked to royalty, religion, and traditional ceremonies. The Kabaka (king) of Buganda had special bark cloth robes, and it was used in events like births, funerals, and weddings.

Though modern fabrics like cotton are used today, bark cloth still holds a strong place in Ugandan culture.

How Is Bark Cloth Made?

Making bark cloth is a skilled art passed down through generations, mostly among male artisans known as “bark beaters.”

1. Harvesting the Bark
   The process begins early when the bark is soft. The outer bark of the Mutuba tree is peeled away to reach the inner bark. It’s removed in one long piece without harming the tree permanently. The tree is then wrapped in banana leaves to heal and can be harvested again in a few years.


2. Boiling the Bark
   The bark is boiled in water to soften it for beating.


3. Beating the Bark
   The bark is laid on a wooden block and beaten with a special mallet for hours. This makes the bark wider, softer, and cloth-like. It can take an entire day to finish one piece.


4. Drying and Finishing
   The bark cloth is then dried in the sun. It develops a rusty brown color and may be dyed or shaped further.

Cultural Uses of Bark Cloth

• Funerals: Used to wrap bodies before burial as a sign of respect and peace.
• Weddings and Ceremonies: Worn by elders and cultural leaders to show honour.
• Spiritual Purposes: Used by traditional healers and during rituals.
• Royalty: Historically worn by the Kabaka and his family.
• Art and Fashion: Now used to create jackets, bags, shoes, and wall art.

Why Bark Cloth is Special

1. It’s Eco-Friendly: 100% natural, biodegradable, and sustainable.
2. It Tells a Story: Each cloth reflects Ugandan history and the artisan’s journey.
3. It’s Globally Recognized: In 2005, UNESCO listed bark cloth making as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Bark Cloth Today – Modern Uses

• Fashion Shows: Bark cloth outfits showcased globally.
• Art Installations: Used in sculptures, paintings, and mixed media.
• Interior Design: Transformed into curtains, lampshades, and wall hangings.
• Tourism: Tourists buy bark cloth as a unique souvenir, supporting local artisans.

Where to Find Bark Cloth in Uganda

• Craft Markets in Kampala: Uganda Crafts 2000 and Buganda Road Craft Market.
• Makers in Masaka or Mpigi: Regions known for traditional bark cloth artisans.
• Cultural Centres and Museums: Like the Uganda Museum in Kampala.
• Online Designers: Many Ugandan artists now sell via social media and websites.

Bark cloth is more than fabric. It is a living tradition, a symbol of identity, and a powerful reminder of how culture and nature can work together.

From ancient ceremonies to fashion runways, this timeless material continues to grow — just like the trees it comes from.

When you hold bark cloth, you hold Ugandan history, nature, and heart. So, when you visit Uganda, take home not just a souvenir — but a story.