FISHSKINLAB - DYE PLANTS FROM THE AMUR RIVER

DYE PLANTS FROM THE AMUR RIVER

The paper is part of the Heritage MDPI Special Issue from the DHA43 conference and I hope will resonate with researchers and practitioners interested in the intersections of cultural heritage, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable materials:

https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/6/195

This research builds upon and honours the material cultural heritage and expertise developed by Arctic Native women creating fish skin garments. The robes examined in this study are not merely garments; they are ceremonial belongings that guide women through major life transitions. Their creation requires technical and ritualistic skills passed down through generations. Specific knowledge of the dyes used, combined with historical literature, can provide further history of fish skin artefacts. Furthermore, this information represents a valuable source for Indigenous groups seeking to revitalise traditional fish skin art, ensuring authenticity in materials and tanning and dyeing technology. Understanding dye composition is also crucial for conservation planning and preservation strategies.

The historical use of natural dyes by Indigenous Amur communities reflects the relationship between humans and their environment, with dye materials holding medicinal, spiritual, and cultural knowledge. This research highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships with local experts, integrating Indigenous testimonies to better document and understand fish skin dyeing traditions. By focusing on the Amur River Basin material culture, this study contributes to the fields of art history, anthropology, ethnography, and ethnobotany.

Preserving and ethically applying traditional dyeing practices is essential—not only to protect endangered techniques but also to offer sustainable, meaningful alternatives to industrial dyeing practices. The environmental risks associated with synthetic dyes further highlight the need to promote safe, natural-based alternatives that are both ecologically sustainable and culturally respectful.