UPDATE: A day-by-day description of the Morocco workshop has been posted to our blog.
The Maiwa Foundation conducted a five-day natural dye workshop. The students learned how to wash fibers and apply appropriate mordants for wools. They then created a range of colours from indigo, cochineal, madder, camomile, henna, cutch, chamomile and a number of local dyeplants. Students learned about light and washfastness, about water conservation, and about the importance of basic dye proceedures and safe use of materials.
Morocco is very well positioned to capitalize on a natural dye revival. It has a flourishing carpet industry. And, even though moroccan carpets do not enjoy the prestige given to Persian or Turkish works they are still a viable item of trade supported by the rural infrastructure. Weaving skills persist and women can gain additional income without disrupting domestic life or entering a factory environment.
What have largely vanished are dyeing skills. The local markets are a source of much misinformation. The large tourist centers make fantastic claims of natural dye use that have no basis in any tradition. Tourists are frequently told that greens are obtained from mint leaves and reds from rose petals. With natural dye knowledge back in the hands of artisans they can once again make the weavings that distinguish the tribal cultures of Morocco.
The Maiwa Foundation conducted a five-day natural dye workshop. The students learned how to wash fibers and apply appropriate mordants for wools. They then created a range of colours from indigo, cochineal, madder, camomile, henna, cutch, chamomile and a number of local dyeplants. Students learned about light and washfastness, about water conservation, and about the importance of basic dye proceedures and safe use of materials.