Avalonblue
One might not be judged so much by the cut of one's cloth - but the Color
When walking the strands of time, from modern day dyeing practice to its origin, one must journey back to prehistory. Humans have sought from their beginning to embellish their bodies, faces and adornments, their tools and homes with the colors of the natural world.
In ancient civilizations and into modern times, most households maintained the means to dye the fibers and process the materials they used, but those with advanced skill and knowledge, those producing the more exquisite and most long lasting colors were honored and highly ranked within their societies.
Additionally, the handiwork of these artisans became the treasure of great expeditions and were strongly prized. Often commanding a large return in the marketplace, these works were considered a status symbol among the elite.
The materials used to produce these items and fabrics became an important commodity - especially those more difficult to obtain or geographically centralized. As world trade advanced, so increased the market and demand for rare dye substances. One’s wealth and status could be determined not so much by the cut, but the color of one’s cloth.
The Native peoples of the Americas employed techniques similar to those of the Old World, using materials they found naturally in their own environment. Today, many still apply the skills developed by their ancestors in early times, honoring a strong connection to the Earth and to their heritage. Colonial Americans brought with them the skills of their own homelands, some eventually learning and exchanging techniques with the Native Americans.
While written records of the art and science of dyes can be traced to the Orient nearly 6000 years ago, the first synthetic dye was not discovered until 1856, by a British chemistry student, William Perkins. His intent, however, was not that of forwarding dye technology, but to find a treatment for malaria.
The odd purple substance known as mauve - or aniline - that Perkins stumbled upon, changed the scope of this ancient practice, one which had been revered around the globe and on every continent for thousands of years. But, the discovery did not lessen the desire for many to seek the unique and individual product acquired only through the craft of natural dyeing. While mass production was made possible with less cost, greater ease and better consistency, the art of dyeing from nature’s palette remains an honored skill and an intriguing adventure.
©Copyright 2001,2005,2009 Linda Mansfield
