Exploring the Bògòlanfini Tradition Through Natural Dyes and Embellishments

About Exploring the Bògòlanfini Tradition Through Natural Dyes and Embellishments

This workshop is more than a technical experience—it’s a platform to redefine how African Art is valued and understood. Participants will not only learn traditional techniques but also engage in cultural preservation, storytelling, and creativity. Arlette’s dual role as an educator and Pattern maker helps bridge the divide between community-based art and contemporary global fashion

By the end of the workshop, participants will:
• Understand the history, symbolism, and social significance of Bògòlanfini in Malian culture.
• Learn how African motifs express narratives, proverbs, and historical moments.
• Gain hands-on experience with natural dyeing and resist techniques.
• Create personalized textiles using natural dyes, cassava paste, lemon juice, and stitching etc…
• Explore the intersection of heritage and innovation through techniques like image transfer and layered hand embroidery.

Workshop Process
1. Introduction to African Vegan Art
• Presentation of the African Vegan Art philosophy: sustainable, ethical, narrative-driven textile creation.
• Overview of Bògòlanfini origins in Mali and its evolution.
• Discussion of traditional motifs, their meanings, and how they’ve influenced global fashion and art.

2. Workshop Structure + Materials Overview
• Review of the schedule, materials list (emailed ahead of time), and safety guidelines for natural dye use.
• Introduction to the fabric base: Silk

3. Preparing Fabric Backgrounds with Natural Dyes
• Demonstration of natural dye extraction (turmeric, onion skins, avocado pits, tea, etc.)
• Soaking and prepping fabric for color absorption.
• Application of base layers to create backgrounds.

4. Creating Background Prints Using Mixed Techniques
• Introduction to resist dyeing methods: stitching, binding, folding (shibori-like approaches).
• Use of lemon juice, vinegar, or cassava paste as resist mediums.
• Layering botanical imprints or brush painting with natural pigment.

5. Creating Symbolic Patterns and Motifs
• Drawing and applying motifs inspired by Bògòlanfini vocabulary (with a downloadable PDF guide).
• Using cassava paste or plant starch to paint symbolic shapes.
• Optional: participants can create their own personal symbols or stories using these methods.

6. Finishing the Surface
• Optional use of image transfer ( solvent transfer with found imagery or personal motifs).
• Drying, pressing, and curing the textile naturally.

7. Hand Stitching for 2D Embellishment
• Instruction on basic hand embroidery and dimensional stitching techniques.
• Adding tactile layers, borders, or text to finalize the piece.
• Sharing circle: brief reflections and show-and-tell.

The capacity for this class is 25 students.

Class Materials

Students will want to provide:
Fabric (Base Cloth)
• 100% Silk, pre-washed, approximately 1 yard or less

Natural Dye Materials (choose at least 2–4)
• Turmeric powder
• Onion skins (red or yellow)
• Avocado pits and peels
• Black tea or coffee
• Hibiscus petals
• Cabbage leaves (for purples/blues)
• Vinegar or lemon juice (to modify color)

Resist & Pattern Tools
• Cassava paste (or cornstarch/flour paste substitute)
• Lemon juice or vinegar (for bleaching effects)
• Brushes (fine and thick)
• Squeeze bottles or droppers
• Sponge and foam brushes
• Pencil or washable fabric marker

Stitching & Embellishment
• Embroidery thread
• Hand sewing needles (embroidery & standard)
• Scissors

Image Transfer (Optional)
• Photocopied motifs images

Other Tools
• Protective gloves
• Jars, pots, or bowls for dye mixing
• Measuring spoons or cups
• Access to stove or hot water kettle

African Vegan Art Workshop Kit – Basic ( starting from $25 -$55 USD), includes:
Pre-washed and treated 100% Silk
Sample pack of 3 natural dyes
Small brush set
Instructional handout + symbolic motif guide (PDF + printed version)