Abstract
Ethnobotany of Dye Plants Used in Traditional Textile Practices
Author(s): Pourya ZarshenasThe art of dyeing textiles with plant-based pigments is one of humanity’s oldest cultural expressions, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems across the globe. Ethnobotany—the study of the relationship between people and plants—offers a lens through which we can understand the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of dye plants in traditional textile practices. From the vibrant reds of Rubia tinctorum to the indigo blues of Indigofera tinctoria, dye plants have shaped the aesthetics, identity, and livelihoods of countless communities. This article explores the ethnobotanical foundations of dye plants, their cultural relevance, and their potential in sustainable textile production.
