Fakaha

Fakaha is the village most associated with Korhogo cloth, the painted textiles in which figures of animals, masked dancers and geometric motifs are drawn onto handwoven cotton in a dark dye made from fermented mud and plant material, which turns black as it oxidises. The painters work in the open and the whole process can be watched. Originally the cloth had ritual functions; most of what is made now is for sale.

What you actually see

• The painting - figures drawn onto woven cotton with fermented mud dye.
• The motifs - animals, masked dancers and geometric patterns from Senufo iconography.
• The oxidation - the dye darkening as it dries and reacts.
• The handwoven base - narrow-strip cotton cloth from villages like Waraniene.

When to go

November to February is the dry season and the road is passable. The rains from June to October make the track difficult. Mornings are when most painters are working.

Honest expectations

Much of what is sold across the country as Korhogo cloth is screen-printed imitation; buying at the village is the way to know. Prices start high for visitors. The road out from Korhogo is rough.

Nearby

Korhogo is southwest, and Niofoin is west.