African mud cloth is a traditional Malian fabric that is dyed with fermented mud and plant dyes. ... that’s why it has a bit of smell when it’s new.

Historically, the cloth is sun-dried then painted repeatedly with fermented mud, which chemically reacts with the tree leaves and leaves the cloth a rich brown even after the mud is washed off.

Mud Cloth- also called Bogolan

Handspun and handwoven in Mali, these cloths are painted with natural dyes that are made from mud and plants. Mud cloth can be washed in cold water without much colour loss. However, as the dyes are natural and may wash out over time, dry cleaning is preferable.

But it must be wash before wearing.

Love love love

JE.