On Display Now
|Tucson Desert Art Museum
Colors to Dye For: The Mysterious World of Navajo Dye-Making
From gathering the finest of wool, to infusing design through the use of special dye formulas and patterns passed down generationally, the Navajo weaver’s process in creating majestic textiles is a special, unique story.
Time & Location
On Display Now
Tucson Desert Art Museum
About
Indigo Blue, Cochineal Red, Rabbit Brush Yellow, these dyes hold the mysteries of Navajo color design of textiles. For centuries, dyes held a valued spot both for the Navajo, and in the world economy, coveted by the wealthy to create hierarchy and status.
From gathering the finest of wool, to infusing design through the use of special dye formulas and patterns passed down for generations, the Navajo weaver’s process in creating majestic textiles is a special, unique story. “Colors to Dye For” examines the history of creating colored dyes, both in adding color to Navajo textiles and in the Old World’s race to create new colors for their “most fashionable” customers. The making of color, for centuries, has been a journey of deep intrigue, wealth and power. Come join us as we explore the mysteries of indigo, cochineal red, and other vegetal dyes, as well as these powerful dyes’ worldwide impact on fashion and the global economy!