Living cultural heritage and materiality in natural dyeing

Authors

• Riikka Räisänen University of Helsinki
• Mari Kosunen University of Helsinki
• Anja Primetta University of Helsinki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37449/ennenjanyt.160885

Keywords:

craft tradition, plant dyeing, materials in dyeing, intangible cultural heritage, natural dye, wool, skill, craft skill

Abstract

This study focuses on the materiality of natural dyeing which is a living cultural heritage in Finland. In recent years natural dyeing has gained popularity among craft enthusiasts. However, we know little about natural dyers, what are their interests in natural colorants, and which materials and techniques they use. We aim to discover what kind of materiality is embedded in natural dyeing. We are interested in color sources used, how dyers learned their skills and in which ways they share their knowledge. There is no previous study on the topic. To study local traditions is important, because it paves way for future comparative research on the dyeing traditions between different regions and cultures. The research material consisted of 35 survey answers and 26 thematic interviews. Most of the participants were women at the age of 50 and over. The dye sources were versatile, as interviewees mentioned 37 different favorite plant material or fungal dye sources. Communality and knowledge sharing were essential parts of the contemporary vivid dyeing tradition.