SAPPANWOOD
Caesalpinia sappan
Boiling the branches of r
brazilwood, tree makes an eye-catching red
dye, called brazilin, that was ver y popular in
the Middle Ages. It was used to dye all kinds
of textiles, from batik to cotton, and was ver y
dif ficult to obtain in some places.
So why was the dye called “brazilin”?
Well, the colour looks like glowing red
embers, and glowing coals are called
“brase” in Spanish, and “braise” in French.
SothetreealsocametobeknownasHENNA
Lawsonia inermis
This is one natural dye that most pe
are already ver y familiar with. Henna
rich orange, reddish brown colour tha
commonly used in India, Pakistan and
Middle East, for colouring and condit
hair, and for creating beautiful des
the skin. It is thought that people ha
using henna for over 5,000 years!
Henna leaves are crushed into
and mixed with liquids such as water
lemon juice before the colour is app
the hands and feet, left on for a while
then washed of f, staining the wearer
intricate patterns that can last anyw
from 10 days to two weeks.
Henna is more than just a body
decoration for special occasions. It
medicinal purposes, and can be used
treat sores and skin diseases.
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