Introducing Barkcloth: Uganda’s Hidden Gem

What is Barkcloth?

Barkcloth is a naturally derived material, from the inner bark of the Mutuba Tree, native to Uganda. It is processed sustainably, preserving the life of the tree, and without additives or chemicals in its raw form.

It has a rich history, having been used for over 600 years to make clothing, furnishings and even artwork, therefore earning a spot on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. 

Though it has been used traditionally for generations, it’s virtually unknown outside of Uganda. We want to change that by bringing it to a new generation of creatives!

For The Artist

For The Artist

Endiro Studios’ Barkcloth is an alternative to traditional artist cotton canvas, suitable painting, dyeing and mixed-media practices. It can be worked unmounted, to create visually compelling compositions due to its natural imperfections.

A colorful mural depicting a diverse group of women standing together, dressed in patterned clothing with various colors and designs, set against a dark background. The style is expressive and bold.
A vibrant, abstract painting of African women dancing, holding large pots on their heads, wearing colorful dresses with geometric and floral patterns, with a woman lying on the ground in the foreground.
A colorful painting depicting women with patterned dresses and head wraps, standing with their heads turned, underneath a background of a sunset and a bus with silhouetted children hanging onto the windows.
A vibrant artwork depicting a herd of zebras running, with some zebras in the foreground and others in the background, using bold black and white stripes and colorful background elements.

Acrylic on Barkcloth by Fred Mutebi

Natural variations occur in colour between barkcloth sheets, due to tree subspecies, time of harvest and even weather.

Natural variations occur in colour between barkcloth sheets, due to tree subspecies, time of harvest and even weather.

Endiro Studios supplies barkcloth in sheets ranging from A1-A4, and custom dimensions between.

Endiro Studios supplies barkcloth in sheets ranging from A1-A4, and custom dimensions between.

Close up of typical barkcloth texture, resulting from the creation process. Imperfections differ from tree to tree making each piece unique.

Close up of typical barkcloth texture, resulting from the creation process. Imperfections differ from tree to tree making each piece unique.

Larger imperfections are sewn up to prevent propagation. These are left on upon finishing and act as a distinguisher between sheets.

Larger imperfections are sewn up to prevent propagation. These are left on upon finishing and act as a distinguisher between sheets.

Barkcloth can be primed with Gesso to make an excellent canvas for acrylic and oil paintings, With it's natural texture still present.

Barkcloth can be primed with Gesso to make an excellent canvas for acrylic and oil paintings, With it's natural texture still present.

Endiro Studios offers samples of barkcloth for you to see first hand. Now available through our shop.

Endiro Studios offers samples of barkcloth for you to see first hand. Now available through our shop.

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