At the beginning there was a cloth from the trees: BARK CLOTH® .
BARK CLOTH® is a bast fleece, a direct ancestor of today’s non-woven. It is the
world’s most archaic textile. The cloth is made from Ugandan Ficus trees and each cloth is unique. It has come into being through a traditional hand processing which is an extremely intensive labour. BARK CLOTH® has been used for ages by the kings of
“Buganda Kingdom” for ceremonial purposes. Depending on light conditions and angle
of view this “living” organic cloth changes from the soft but robust charm of leather to the translucent and graceful lightness of filmy fleeces. The cloth’s lure is its unique
structure, the game between dense three-dimensional surface and transparent character. From this traditional natural material you can get modern merchandise. At first I’d like...
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Uganda
- 1.2 The joint venture between Bark Cloth Germany and Uganda
- 2. Bark Cloth
- 2.1 Working process
- 2.2 Natural dyes from plants
- 2.3 Important production factors which influence the bark cloth quality
- 3. The co-operation
- 3.1 Connections through the cloth
- 3.2 The way to Germany
- 4. Finished Product
- 4.1 Furniture and Hometex
- 4.2 Clothes and Accessories
- 4.3 Price
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to describe the process of creating bark cloth, from the harvesting of the raw material in Uganda to its transformation into finished products sold in Germany. It explores the collaboration between a German company and Ugandan producers, highlighting the cultural exchange and economic implications of this joint venture.
- The traditional production methods of bark cloth in Uganda.
- The joint venture between a German company and Ugandan bark cloth producers.
- The transformation of bark cloth into various finished products.
- The economic and cultural exchange facilitated by the trade in bark cloth.
- The unique qualities and characteristics of bark cloth.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by providing background information on Uganda, including its geography and population. It then introduces the joint venture between Bark Cloth Oliver Heinz Germany and Bark Cloth Ltd. in Uganda, established in 1999. This venture focuses on sourcing bark cloth from local producers, exporting it to Germany, and developing a market for this unique material. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent detailed exploration of the bark cloth production process and the German-Ugandan collaboration.
2. Bark Cloth: This chapter delves into the details of bark cloth, describing it as a traditional, hand-processed textile made from Ugandan Ficus trees. It emphasizes the unique qualities of the material, highlighting its versatility and ability to transform from a leathery texture to a more translucent lightness depending on the light. The chapter proceeds to explain the working process, starting from the harvesting of the bark from the trees, involving processes like scraping, incision, and careful removal, through to the pounding process using wooden mallets, which softens and thins the bark. The chapter then touches upon natural dyes from plants and the important factors influencing the final quality of the bark cloth.
3. The co-operation: This section details the collaborative relationship between the German and Ugandan entities involved in the bark cloth business. It explores the connections forged through this trade of a unique material and illustrates the journey of the bark cloth from Uganda to Germany. The chapter likely details the logistical, economic, and cultural aspects of this transnational partnership.
4. Finished Product: This chapter showcases the diverse range of finished products created from the bark cloth, including furniture, home textiles, clothing, and accessories. It offers a glimpse into the market potential and commercial applications of this unique material. A discussion of the pricing strategy is likely included, considering the production processes, material costs and target market.
Keywords
Bark cloth, Uganda, Germany, joint venture, traditional textile, sustainable materials, cultural exchange, economic development, hand-processed, natural dyes, Ficus natalensis, fair trade, global commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions: A German-Ugandan Bark Cloth Joint Venture
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a joint venture between a German company (Bark Cloth Oliver Heinz Germany) and a Ugandan company (Bark Cloth Ltd.) focused on the production and sale of bark cloth. It details the entire process, from harvesting the bark in Uganda to the creation of finished products sold in Germany, analyzing the cultural exchange and economic implications.
What are the key stages in bark cloth production?
The bark cloth production process, as detailed in the document, involves several key stages: harvesting bark from Ugandan Ficus trees, scraping and carefully removing the bark, pounding the bark to soften and thin it, and finally dyeing it using natural plant-based dyes. The quality of the final product is influenced by various factors throughout this process.
What is the nature of the collaboration between the German and Ugandan companies?
The collaboration is a joint venture established in 1999, focusing on sourcing bark cloth from Ugandan producers, exporting it to Germany, and marketing the finished products. The document highlights the connections forged through this trade, exploring the logistical, economic, and cultural aspects of this transnational partnership.
What types of finished products are made from the bark cloth?
The bark cloth is transformed into a variety of finished products, including furniture, home textiles, clothing, and accessories, showcasing its versatility and market potential. The document likely discusses the pricing strategy considering production costs and target market.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The document explores several key themes, including traditional production methods of bark cloth in Uganda, the joint venture's operations, the transformation of raw materials into diverse finished products, the economic and cultural exchange facilitated by the trade, and the unique qualities and characteristics of bark cloth itself.
What are the objectives of this document?
The primary objective is to describe the complete process of bark cloth creation, from raw material sourcing in Uganda to the sale of finished products in Germany. It aims to analyze the collaboration between the German and Ugandan companies, highlighting the cultural exchange and economic impacts of this joint venture.
What are some of the keywords associated with this document?
Relevant keywords include: Bark cloth, Uganda, Germany, joint venture, traditional textile, sustainable materials, cultural exchange, economic development, hand-processed, natural dyes, Ficus natalensis, fair trade, and global commerce.
Where can I find more information about the joint venture?
The provided text is a summary and preview. For more in-depth information, you would need to access the complete document itself. Contact information for either Bark Cloth Oliver Heinz Germany or Bark Cloth Ltd. Uganda may be available within the full document.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Pichert (Author), 2006, Bark Cloth: Tradition and Innovative Ideas – A Merger of the African and European Culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/83976
