Natural Dyes
The process of natural dyeing is not as commonly practiced in Laos today, it is a lengthy process and less people have the expertise and knowledge of the different formulas. There are people working to revive this area of the weaving culture. Each ethnic group, each family has its own resources and methods.
Below is a chart of the resources Ock Pop Tok is using. Projects and weavers working together, will ensure that the natural dye process becomes a valued and practiced skill. Laos is a country with an abundance of natural resources.
| Colour | Source | Which Part | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Khang | Wax made by a female stick lac insect | Produces a very dark rich red. Cold water solution |
| Pink | Mai Fang Deng | Heart wood of the sappan tree | Also used as a natural medicine to stop bleeding |
| Rusty Red | Mai Fang Deng | Heart wood of the sappan tree | Limestone paste is added to change the colour |
| Orange | Mak Saet | Seeds from the Annatto tree | Also used in cosmetics |
| Yellow | Keemin | Pounded turmeric | Bright yellow |
| Olive | Mak Lin Mai | The bark of the Indian Trumpet tree | |
| Golden | Bai Kae | Leaves from an olive tree | |
| Brown | Mai Due | Bark of the rosewood tree | |
| Dark Red | Mai Mak Kam | Wood and bark from tamarind tree | |
| Purple | Mai Fang Deng | Heart wood of the sappan tree | Metal is used to change the colour |
| Blue | Hom | Indigo leaves soaked with limestone | Produces blues as soft as grey to midnight blue |
| Soft Brown | Bai Mai Sack | Teak leaves | Fresh and dry leaves produce different colours |
| Black | Mak Guea | Seed pods of the ebony | Hard to find |