Dyeing: Hello to Yellow
Step number five. In the second round of dye, yellow is added to what will be the centre of the fabric. Yellow was created using turmeric, a spice commonly used today. If you have ever cooked with turmeric, you may know of its natural ability to stain your clothes and hands! However, as the lightest colour, it has faded over time and only faint traces are visible on its object counterpart.
Have you noticed the wax seals attached to each object? They bear an interesting stamp. Take a closer look…in an 18th century font you can just about make out the letters ‘H&C’ which may refer to “Heyder & Co.” This was the name of the Leidsche Katoenmaatschappij until 1887, which is the same year that these objects were donated to the Museum Volkenkunde. These tags are still attached by the thinnest of threads, as the fabric decayed over time. On some you can even see Felix Driessen’s handwriting and initials remaining in pencil.