Natural dye in Rwanda

'natural dye in rwanda' by atelier rwanda is a research based project which explores the full cycle of natural dyeing in the context of contemporary textile production in rwanda. the project, led by the designers Eugenia Morpurgo and Maya Ben David, was based on collaboration with local basketry craftswoman, a class of tailors and a group of students from the kist university of kigali as part of a workshop which recently took place in kigali.

currently, rwandas local textile market is based on imported fabrics. what is known as african fabrics are designed mostlyoutside of africa. the aim of this project was to explore design possibilities in the field of textile while using local fabric, available techniques and the skills to support the identity of rwandas local culture.

in rwanda, there is no tradition of natural textile dying although the method does exist in the region's basketry crafts. the research surrounding this project was based on trial and error, where the team manipulated the processes and techniques used in basketry to comply with textiles.

the research was followed by implementation, where the 'tailors' designed a series of shoes and scarves. starting with the local production of sandals, the aim was to combine the skills of the shoe maker with the one of the tailors to create new possibilities in local shoe production. the scarves combine natural dyed fabric with vegetable fibers and basketry techniques, to create a local textile with a highly tactile expression, which can be easily produced with available materials and methods. further, the objectives of the research program were: to promote efficiency and sustainability of activities related to natural fibers developing innovation of products made in local materials; to improve the productive capacity of local handicraft; to strengthen the role of craftswomen; to enhance the development and market of local resources and products; to improve the use of water supply; to strengthen, within the architectural planning and design, cultural exchanges between europe and africa in order to enhance resources and working abilities in africa.