Natural Indigo Pigment( pieces)

Natural indigo from Morroco, 

Premium quality plant based pigment.

Its rich, deep blue color has been used in arts, textiles and even historical trade all over the world. 

A natural dye derived from the Indigofera tinctoria plant that is used in Moroccan textiles, hair, and skincare. The process involves fermenting the plant's leaves and branches to create a powder or paste, which is then used to achieve vibrant blue hues. Historically, it has been a significant part of Moroccan culture, used by women, particularly in the Sahara, for its skin-brightening and beautifying properties. 

Indigo powder directly from Morocco can be used for watercolor painting by first grounding the powder into a fine dust and then mixing it with a watercolor binder like gum arabic and honey to create a usable paint. 

Prepare the Pigment:

Grind the indigo powder into an extremely fine dust using a mortar and pestle, or a more efficient grinder, to ensure it will bind well with the medium and spread smoothly on paper. 

• Natural Pigment Characteristics:

  Authentic indigo is a natural pigment with excellent color depth but may have a lower lightfastness compared to synthetic pigments, meaning its color can fade over time. 
• Cultural Significance:

  Painting with natural pigments sourced locally, as is done in Morocco, is a cultural practice passed down through generations and adds unique depth and meaning to the art. 
• Texture and Granulation:

  Some handmade watercolors, including natural indigo, have a beautiful granulated texture that adds visual interest to paintings.