Natural Dyes

The dyes used are all from plants, roots, herbs and flowers in the region.

• The yellow is from a flower called "la retama" (it is the symbolic flower of hope of Peru, becuase it flowers all year round).
• The greens are from "chilca" or "yerba santa" - a grass.
• The bluesare from "anil indigo de piedra", or small-leaved indigo.
• The pinks, reds, and purples are from cochinillas. These are little insects that live in the plant of tuna, a fruit. They are dried out and then used in dyes.
• The grey-black is from "tara", a Peruvian tree.
• The brown is "nogal", from the walnut tree.