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Four women wearing cowrie strand necklaces

The Atelier

As the fingers work banana fibre, palm leaf, and bark cloth beside the fire, intention leaves the mouth and enters the object that goes home.

Bark Cloth — Olubugo

The bark of the mutuba tree is beaten with wooden mallets until it becomes a soft, wearable cloth. This is one of Uganda's oldest textile traditions, which are recognised by UNESCO. At the sanctuary, guests learn to measure, cut, and sew bark cloth into garments, wall hangings, and talisman wraps.

You do not only speak the intention. You weave it, sew it, and carry it home.

Mama Nalubaale measuring bark cloth with tape

Craft Gallery

Workshop circle with sheets of olubugo bark cloth
Woman weaving a large basket from natural fibres
Bark cloth dress with decorative heart cutouts and cowrie trim
Finished bark-cloth dresses on a stand
Waist and cowrie detail on bark-cloth garments
Ripe bananas hanging beside woven mats in the cookhouse

Finished Pieces

Finished cowrie and stone necklace
Braided bead necklace and bracelet set
Cowrie, seed, and white bead strand

Worn Craft

Cowrie strands, seed beads, and kente-stripe cloth are worn during ceremonies and made by hand at the sanctuary.

Two women wearing cowrie necklaces
Two women in striped cloth by the lake
Water blessing at the shore

Make Something with Your Hands

The atelier is part of every immersion. Or come for a day workshop.

Request an Immersion