Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Andrews, Anthony
Keywords
Maya, Cooperatives, Dyes, Textiles, Weaving
Area of Concentration
Anthropology
Abstract
Weaving is an important tradition with cultural significance to the Maya culture. Dyeing, the art of applying organic materials to threads with the intent to produce color, has been neglected in literature about weaving and textiles. This thesis seeks to explore natural dye use in Mesoamerica from prehispanic times until the present, drawing data from the greater Maya region with a particular emphasis on data from Chiapas, Mexico. My research includes descriptions of organic dye materials, instructions for dyeing, and pictures of the materials and colors produced. My investigation documents the recent effort to promote natural dye use in weaving cooperatives that market folk art to Western consumers.
Recommended Citation
Leahy, Kristen Michelle, "The Colors that Bind Dyeing and Natural Dyes in Maya Textiles" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4626.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4626