African mud cloth is a traditional Malian fabric that is dyed with fermented mud and plant dyes. ... that’s why it has a bit of smell when it’s new.

Historically, the clothis sun-dried then painted repeatedly with fermented mud, which chemically reacts with the tree leaves and leaves the clotha rich brown even after the mud is washed off.

Mud Cloth- also called Bogolan

Handspun and handwoven in Mali, these clothsare painted with natural dyes that are made from mudand plants. Mud cloth can be washedin cold water without much colour loss. However, as the dyes are natural and may washout over time, dry cleaningis preferable.

But it must be wash before wearing.

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JE.