Traditional Natural Dyes in Mexico

This is what we learned about the history of colors in the wool workshop at Xcaret park

If there is something that characterizes Mexico, it is all its colors, always alive and full of joy. For many years, different cultures found a way to create colors from what nature gave them and, thus, provide beauty to our history.

Follow me to the wool workshop at Xcaret park, where I will tell you what we discovered about the world of natural pigments.

Natural pigments are colorants that have been extracted from organic matter such as plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, insects, and minerals.

The most surprising aspect is that we discovered the capability to extract not just a single shade of color. Over time, we learned that we could create numerous variations of the same color by incorporating small amounts of other natural elements such as lemon, ash, salt, or vinegar. This gradual process resulted in the development of various options for everyday use.

For example, to obtain a red color, we use an insect that we can find in certain plants called "cochinilla" that, when diluted in water, takes a dark and intense shade, but if we want it to be lighter, add drops of lemon juice. On the contrary, we add a pinch of ash to achieve a more purple tone.

Color extraction techniques

Many organic materials are crushed, grounded, or pulverized and mixed with a binder, such as water or oil, to dye fabrics such as wool, color food, draw on various surfaces, etc.

To achieve the right texture, we use instruments like the molcajete or the metate, crafted from stone to apply force and execute repetitive movements. This process helps attain the consistency necessary for diluting the color.

Other pigments demand additional processes before use such as drying, fermentation over time, or temperature elevation, depending on the specific case.

Uses of natural pigments

For many cultures, starting to use these dyes was of great impact to their customs, like dyeing the wool of their clothing or household items.

One of the processes they implement to start dyeing is to heat the dye in water for several hours, submerge the wool, and let it rest until it obtains the desired tone.

I also have a fun fact for you. If you're a makeup fan, let me tell you that people first used these pigments from organic matter as their initial cosmetics. The women of the villages used to paint their lips with these dyes by mixing them with water, and as a result, they obtained a beautiful color that lasted several hours on their skin.

Another common application of natural pigments is their use to create paints and make art. On this occasion, in the wool workshop, we did an activity that challenged our creativity by drawing with these natural paints.

First, we dipped a sheet of paper in water with coffee to simulate the effect of drawing on papyrus and let it dry for a few minutes as it was going to be our canvas.

Then, we moved on to my favorite part of the activity: time to bring out your artistic side!

They lend you brushes and 100% natural paint in the workshop, so you can draw or write whatever you want. When you finish your artwork, you can roll it up like a real papyrus and tie it with a string to take it home. We love how it looks!

It is essential to mention that the activities available at the wool workshop may vary depending on the day and time of your visit. You may not experience the same thing twice.

How can I participate in the wool workshop at Xcaret park?

If you want to experience and explore the creation of the first dyes in history, you can do so on your next visit to the park, as your general admission covers this and all the workshops available at Xcaret park.

If you are a guest at any of the Hoteles Xcaret, remember that your stay is All-Fun Inclusive®, so you can also attend these workshops at no additional cost.

Now that you know how to color your life naturally tell me what surprised you the most about these natural pigments; I'll read you in the comments!