The textiles of the African continent are a magnificent art form, profoundly intertwined with the land itself. Through the observant eyes and creative translation of the natural world, the diverse peoples of this vast continent have developed exquisite, localized weaving and dyeing techniques.

For this special event, we have invited Danilo, a dedicated curator who has conducted long-term field research on African textiles. Focusing on three of the continent's most iconic fabrics—Bògòlanfini (mud cloth) from Mali, Kuba cloth from Congo, and Ndop (blue indigo cloth) from Cameroon—Danilo will guide us through the sacred rituals, cultural narratives, and rich cosmologies of these African peoples.

Date & Time: Sunday, July 5, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sousou Corner｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Speaker: Danilo Lovisi
This lecture will be led by our guest speaker from Brazil and will be conducted primarily in English

Pigments of the Earth: Malian Bògòlan 
 

The word "Bògòlan" originates from the Bambara language of Mali in West Africa. "Bògò" represents the earth or mud, while "Lan" means to create or make—translating literally to "cloth made with the earth." This textile is painted using a rich, thick pigment blended from natural mud, clay, and herbal plants. Every carefully drawn geometric pattern carries a specific symbolic meaning, weaving stories of their daily lives, historic events, or legendary tales of heroism.

Within the traditional life of the Bambara people, Bògòlan holds immense cultural weight. It does not simply represent a hunter’s deep connection with and respect for nature—granting them courage to face challenges—but it also wraps women in protection during the most sacred moments of life. From birth and marriage to childbirth and funerals, Bògòlan is crafted into ceremonial garments worn for these profound life transitions.

Blue of the Savannah: Cameroonian Ndop 
 

Indigo is one of the oldest dyes in human history, and across the African continent, numerous cultures have long crafted beautiful textiles from these deep blue plants. Yet, each cultural group and community handles, dyes, and interprets this indigo hue in its own unique way, revealing fascinating cultural nuances within a shared artistic tradition.

Among these, the creation of Cameroonian Ndop is a long, contemplative journey. Crafting a single piece of Ndop fabric can take an entire year and requires collaboration across multiple regions: beginning with the farmers who grow the cotton, moving to the artisans skilled in natural indigo dyeing, and involving meticulous hands that sketch the patterns and stitch the tight embroideries. Each artisan carries knowledge passed down through generations. Because of this immense dedication, traditional Ndop was historically reserved exclusively for kings and distinguished members of the community.

Dancing Geometrics: Kuba Kasaï
 

Deep in the heart of Central Africa, within the Congo, Kuba cloth—exquisitely woven from the leaf fibers of the raffia palm—stands as one of the most iconic expressions of local textile artistry. The geometric patterns adorning Kuba cloth shift effortlessly between structured order and playful irregularity, exuding a rhythmic vitality filled with life. This dynamism truly comes alive during festive celebrations and sacred rituals; as the cloth sways and flows with the dancers' steps, it amplifies the joyful, collective energy of the movement.

Spanning centuries and uniting various ethnic groups, the history of Kuba cloth is a living lineage. When creating these textiles, women do not simply rely on a collective memory of over 200 traditional motifs passed down through generations—they infuse each piece with their own personal improvisation. As a result, these patterns carry infinite layers of meaning. Even within the very same community, members may have different names and interpretations for a single design. It is this spirit of creative freedom that ensures no two pieces of Kuba cloth are ever identical.

Lecture｜Mud, Dance, and Indigo: African Textiles and Fibers

At Sousou Corner, we have previously introduced various African textiles, including Mali's mud cloth and Côte d'Ivoire's Korhogo hand-painted cloth. Each piece carries a distinct, earthy essence, naturally sparking curiosity about the true meanings behind the local geometric patterns and animal motifs painted upon them.

For this special event, we have invited Danilo Lovisi, a curator and writer specializing in textile arts and material culture.

Through three remarkable textile traditions—Bògòlanfini (mud cloth) from Mali, Kassai cloth created by Kuba and Shoowa artists in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ndop (indigo resist cloth) from Cameroon—Danilo will introduce audiences to highly sophisticated craft traditions shaped by generations of artistic innovation and knowledge.

Viewed both as living cultural heritage and as major contributions to twentieth-century textile art, these works reveal the richness, intelligence, and creativity embedded in textile making across Africa.

"Between the head and the earth: traditional African textile art"
August 2024 to February 2025 - Pinacoteca de São Paulo, Brazil 
In partnership with Maison Gacha (Paris, France) and Fondation Jean-Félicien Gacha (Bangoulap, Cameroon). Curators Danilo Lovisi and Renato Menezes.

｜Date & Location
July 5 (Sun), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sousou Corner Flagship Store｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
This lecutre will be led by our guest speaker from Brazil and will be conducted primarily in English

｜Lecture Fee
Regular price: NT$900 per person
Early bird (before Tuesday, 30 June ): NT$780 per person / NT$1500 for two
Limited to 30 participants

｜Special Refreshments
 

• Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) A beloved, nation-wide traditional snack in Brazil. These golden, round little breads are baked with rich, savory cheese, offering a perfectly crisp crust on the outside with a delightfully soft, chewy texture on the inside.

• Brigadeiro (Brazilian Chocolate Truffles) A classic Brazilian treat made by heating condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter into a rich, thick fudge. Once cooled, it is rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. Smooth, fudgy, and delightfully sweet, it is available in two flavors: Classic Cocoa and Tropical Coconut.

• Brazilian Coffee