Natural Dye Project
Dr. James Bauml, botanist at the Arboretum of Los Angeles County (California), and I are studying Wixárika dye plants. Our research includes: identifying plants, both in Wixárika and Western Scientific taxonomy, that the Wixárika use for dyes; documenting their dye processes; and learning the significance that these plants have in Wixárika folklore, symbolism and cosmology. Our dye research has been possible in large part to a generous grant from The Herb Society of America.
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| Santos Pisano demonstrating natural dye technique. c. Stacy Schaefer | Dyed local wool. c. Stacy Schaefer |
Connie Childs Elliott, President of the Conteporary Handweavers of Houston,
and professional spinner, weaver and dyer, has contributed greatly to this project.
We have been learning traditional dye recipies and introducing new dye techniques
using alum as a mordant and cochineal as a dye. Together we have collaborated
with Ingeniero Liberato Portillo of the School of Botany at the Univeridad de
Guadalajara who has introduced cochineal cultivation in Wixárika ranches.
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| Cochineal cultivated on Nopal. c. Stacy Schaefer |
Ing. Liberato Portillo is also co-editor of the cacti journal Nakari, of the
Asociación Civil Mexicana sin fines de lucro.
http://www.geocites.com/CollegePark/Library/6485/nakari.htm
He can be contacted at:
Instituto de Botanica
Universidad de Guadalajara
P.O. Box 139
Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico 45101
tel/FAX [011-52] (3) 621-7408
e-mail:lportillo@maiz.cucba.udg.mx
http://www.cucba.udg.mx
Wayland Coombs and Aruna Piroshki of Hikuri Impressions have established a
spinning wheel project and are actively involved in helping Wixáritari develop
and promote their woven textile art.
http://www.sunworx.com/hikuri
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