Color from Nature: Preserving and Promoting Thai Cultural Heritage through Natural Dyeing with Local Plants in Mae Tha District, Lampang Province
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Abstract
This study focused on improving the traditional natural dyeing practices in the Mae Tha community in Thailand. Initial assessments revealed that yarns dyed using traditional techniques with local plant extracts, e.g., lac and sappan wood, often demonstrated inconsistent color quality and low color fastness. Potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) and tin (II) chloride were applied as mordants to improve both color uptake and color durability. The dyed fabrics appeared reddish in all cases. We improved the dyeing practices by carefully controlling the dye extraction processes and adjusting dyeing techniques, as well as using standardized measurement tools to ensure color consistency. Results from color measurements (tested by a modern scientific instrument) confirmed that the dyeing process increased color uniformity and fastness to washing and artificial perspiration. This study demonstrates that traditional practices can be successfully integrated with scientific techniques, thereby preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly methods.
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