Benefitting country(ies): Uganda

Overview:

The Mutaba tree provides the raw material for the delicate manufacture of bark-cloth. Produced for the royal family and other Buganda community members and highly recognized as a marker of cultural traditions, this precious cloth is worn at coronations and healing ceremonies, funerals and social gatherings.

The objectives of the safeguarding project are to:

• train craftspersons, especially young artisans, in making bark cloth; establish sustainable practices of using the Mituba trees;
• popularize the making and use of bark cloth; ensure legal protection and income generating activities; and
• promote recognition of and respect for the cultural value of bark cloth.

Training activities, to be widely publicized in the mass media and through public gatherings and events, are carried out to sensitize and train youth and communities generally in appreciating the cultural values in the techniques of planting and propagating the Mituba trees from which bark cloth is produced. A selected number of youth are to receive training on skills of bark cloth production.

01/10/2006 - 01/08/2009 – Action Plan for the Safeguarding and promotion of the Drametse Ngacham01/06/2007 - 01/07/2009 – Safeguarding the Space of Gong Culture in Dak Nong Province