The world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution in the US is this year, hosting Aloyzius Luwemba, a tenth-generation barkcloth maker from Bukomansimbi, Masaka. Founded in 1846, it has 21 museums and is also host to the US National Zoo.
Every year, the two-week Smithsonian Folklife festival, in a cultural exchange program, selects and brings together master artisans and other tradition bearers from within the USA and around the world. This year, Luwemba got the opportunity to showcase the artistry in the making of the barkcloth also locally known as lubugo and the rich heritage of the eco-friendly fabric.
According to the press release, Luwemba was accompanied by Fulbright scholar and artist, Dr Fred Mutebi, who educates about the lubugo’s special attributes in sustainability, eco-friendliness and the green economy and Lesli Robertson, the proprietor of Around the World in 80 fabrics.
Uganda,…
