ThE CAUSE
In the Manya Krobo region of Ghana, there is a truly wonderful organization of women called the Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association .This is a private, non-profit group serving children and women in that area. These women, descendents of chiefs, identify potential orphans in the region and provide a matriarchal role; these children eventually become their own. Taking them out of an orphanage situation and into a home atmosphere, these children are loved, supported, and freed from the societal stigmatization associated with the HIV/AIDS virus. The Queen Mothers educate them on health, birth control, and hygiene. 370 association members have been responsible for the care and education of 466 children.
Threads of Change are very proud to say that proceeds from each sale of their one-of-a-kind handmade cases, bags and accessories help support the Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association. Their motto: "Every Child Is Our Child."
The Product - What is Mudcloth?
Bold graphics in stunning black, white and rich cocoa shades march across bolts of nubby woven cloth, some fashioned from feed sacks. Tough, thick and strong, they reflect the resilience of the culture which produced them.
Speaking to the splendid colors and patterns of the African savannah, they echo the indigenous exuberance and spontaneity of the continent and the artistry of the native men and women who craft them. An ancient creative expression dating to the 8th century Boubou robe worn by Muslim peoples of Ghana and 13th century peoples of the Mali Empire, they represent a cultural tradition largely unchanged for 13 centuries.
How It's Made
The making of mudcloth is a time-consuming process, normally taking four days to a week to complete depending on weather. Women gather the cotton and spin it into yarn. On a handheld loom, men weave it into panels typically 5" or 6" wide. After they weave 9 or so panels, they sew them together to create the fabric. The fabric is dyed in a labor-intensive process requiring layers of mud, masking off areas for design, and application of the vibrant indigo plant. Highly skilled women typically paint and design the mudcloth, using a combination of organic dyes and fixatives.
Each color and all the symbols have special meanings, proverbs, and stories, specific to the people who created them. Mudcloth is meant to be interpreted.
How Threads of Change Use Mud Cloth
They take the results of this artistic process and combine the mudcloth with stunning graphic cotton prints from Ghana to create all of the products you see.
The textiles full of vibrant color and rich patterns feature ancient Adinkra symbols filled with symbolism and spiritual meanings, such as unity, love, hope and fertility. The unique juxtaposition of heavy bold mudcloth with the colorfully bold graphic prints have become The Threads of Change trademark.
More Information here Threads of Change