PROGRAMS: “Indigo Dyed Clothing”

Indigo is a blue dye and the coloration and patterns are very popular in El Salvador. In the 19th century, export of indigo to France for soldiers' uniforms was a mainstay of Salvador's economy. As coffeehouses grew popular in Europe, export of indigo declined in lieu of Salvador's superior coffee beans. Indigo remains fashionable in the country and is thus a viable business venture.

Salvadoran Enterprises for Women (SEW) funded technical and business training, equipment and materials for an Indigo Dyed Clothing Business in the small village of San Luis Los Ranchos. Fifteen women took part.

Dying clothing with indigo is a very exact process. If the ph balance is too low, the color does not take; if it is too high, the color will run. Pictured here Maria Louisa measures caustic soda as she learns to use the new digital scale.

After indigo powder is dissolved in alcohol, it is heated (shown on right) and a precise amount of hydrosulfate is added. The heated mixture is added to the indigo dye (in green barrel) and left to season for fifteen minutes. Then clothing can be submerged into the dye for coloring.

Different patterns require different configuration of cloth and stitching. Here, the place for the pattern is marked with an "X" and a "marble" of foil is placed under each marking and the area tied tightly. The pattern produced is seen in the sample at the working table.

Each woman learns several patterns. The clothing is marketed in an outlet for women's goods in the capital city, San Salvador. Women's blouses are the best sellers. Below, members of the group work around a table outside at the home of the mother of one of the business women. Members of the Indigo Dyed Clothing business with trainers Silvia and José are seen on right.