Africa’s abounding colours

Across the continent, the time and tested methods of attaining colour are still an integral part of African culture. From the piercing blue indigo to the raging reds of henna, we take a visual tour across different countries.

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The colour blue

Article 1/4

Indigo, so much more than just a colour

“I prefer to talk about a substance rather than a colour,” says artist Aboubakar Fofana, who has worked with indigo for nearly 40 years. A wide range of intense blues can be obtained from the indigo tree, but this green plant, which is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa, has primarily medicinal properties.

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The Pharaoh’s shrub

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Henna, a plant with a thousand virtues

“Natural dyes” (2/4) - In the Maghreb, this powdered plant has always been essential to beauty rituals. Today, it is used in all sorts of organic recipes all over the world.

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Mandingo staple

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Mali’s Bogolan, the dye of the earth

“Natural dyes” (3/4) - Mali's emblematic dyed fabric was discovered by accident. Despite industrialisation, this tradition of vegetable dyeing continues to be common practice.

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Eco-friendly dyes

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Morocco’s traditional Madder root, the dyers’ perennial

The natural colouring techniques used to embellish carpets are often nothing more than names, today.

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