I do not own the rights to these photos.

Bazin: 

Originating in Mali, Bazin is hand-dyed damask cotton created by the talented women artisans of the country. Consisting of  a weaving technique of 100% fine cotton, bazin achieves its marvelous shine with its contact with the dye and sun drying process.

  Originally dyed with indigo, the colors achieved are soaked in a dye bath, rinsed, drained, and  re-soaked for the intentional color and pattern. The bazin is then washed with cold water. 

photo by: Bruno Morandi

BOGOLANIFINI: 

Bogolan is a traditional Malian mudcloth fabric that is dyed with fermented mud and plant dyes, like bazin, is set to dry in the sun. Historically, Bogolan tunics are worn by hunters and is symbol of Malian heritage. 

Bogolanfini now comes in various colors and wax dyes, typically versions of the mud cloth involve dying the cloth with a different types of tree leaf solution, then painting over it with black and white designs.

A Weaver of the Dorze Tribe by In Memoriam Nggire Hart 
Photo courtesy Creative Women.

Shamma: 

Shamma is an ancient Ethiopian practice and materiality that is white gauzy handspun cotton that is worn as everyday attire, for religious and celebratory ceremonies, and created as gabis (traditional shawl that doubles as a blanket). 

Originally worn only by religious leaders and woven by weavers both Muslims and Falashas who lived nomadic lifestyles, through time it’s become the staple materiality for everyday Ethiopian fashion worn throughout several regions by farmers, warriors, emperors, and the people of the Horn of Africa. 

KANEKALON BRAIDING HAIR/ SYNTHETIC HAIR: 

Y’all already know. Here are some of our favorite beauty supply stores in the DMV and NYC: 

DMV: 

Gigi’s Beauty Supply 

Tora Beauty Supply

NYC:

Apollo Beauty Land 

Bliss Beauty (Harlem)

Madeline Beauty Supply