Indigo Blues

We love deep dives into history, and indigo is just that. This historic dye has been part of human history since at least 3200 b.c. where is was used in the mummification process to produce the intense blue that it is known for. Considered nearly mystical in its origin, it was not until Marco Polo brought it with him during his adventures that it became widely known as the plant based natural gift that it is.

Most notably developed, grown and traded from India, the very name for the product & color is forever shaped by it: Indigo

Sometimes something beautiful can also be a reminder of something ugly, yet an important part of its history. In the development of “The New World” indigo was one of the largest cash crops from the American South during the slavery era. “Indigo fever” finally slowed once synthesized in Europe in the early 20th century.

Interestingly, indigo may actually be a way back to natural dyes and colors, as the synthetic process has also resulted in the use of heavy chemicals, some of which have been found to be poisonous over time.

We chose this pattern for its beauty and its contrast, both in color and in its history. This is a 3rd Life product; first serving as a plant & pollinator, then as a dye for beautiful colored fabric and as trade, then made into clothing, linens, or in this case art.