Dye Pit

**Dye Pit** is an exclusive single stamp in SLOWLY. This can be purchased in the shop when you visit Nigeria.

## Information

**The Kofar Mata Dye Pits** have had prominence across the world spanning 5 centuries and are still active, however this ancient craft is in jeopardy in these modern times.

* History of Kofar Mata

Founded in 1498, the Kofar Mata Dye Pits located in Kano, Nigeria are said to be the oldest in Africa and the last of their kind. In its prime, Kano had about 270 dye pits and the indigo dyed cotton was famous in the trans - Saharan trade. Many travelled from far and wide to buy this dyed fabric and it was the backbone of the states economy rivallung the fabled riches of Timbuktu.

The Tuareg of Mali are known as the blue men of the desert, because of their billowing indigo robes. They are good customers to the Kofar Mata dye pits as this is where many purchase the fabric, specially left natural, to dye their face and hands blue.

* Natural Ingredients

The dyers refuse to use artificial dye which would give them a range of colours and allow them to keep up with modern demand. Their dedication in honouring this medieval dying practice makes each item produced even more special.

Only 3 natural ingredients are used to make the dye solution; Indigo plant twigs, ash from burnt firewood and potash (potassium) made freshly at the dye pits. All the ingredients and equipment used are locally obtained and constructed.

It takes around a month to make the solution which lasts for around a year. Many believe the solution has medicinal properties and it is sometimes used for traditional remedies.

* Ancient Technique

The techniques used at the Kofar Mata dye pits have not evolved with time, the dying practices have remained the same for centuries. It has been passed on from generation to generation with some dyers being the 10th generation of dyers in their family.

The running costs of the pits are minimal as electricity is not required, however the cost of one solution is around $300, a large sum for the dyers, now demand for the fabric is dwindling.

* Skilled Craftsmanship

Beautiful patterns can be created before the fabric is dipped in the dye solution. The designers, who are typically women, decorate the cloth with one of 10 patterns, some regular and others royal, by intricately weaving string around the cloth.

The royal design is the most difficult, it takes two weeks to make and if there is a mistake the whole design is ruined.

* Dwindling Business

The risks of the dye pits becoming extinct has never been higher. There has been an influx of cheap foreign fabric (especially from China) into the Nigerian market. Additionally many foreign governments have issued travel warnings against visiting Northern Nigeria due to the Boko Haram insurgency. A large portion of the dyers sales come from tourist trade.

Due to the dwindling demand more than 100 pits have fallen into disrepair and many of them are clogged with refuse and stones. The practice is being passed to the next generation at a slower rate as many are looking for more lucrative ways to earn money.

If demand does not increase, before long these dye pits will be extinct.

Text and image from kamso.co.uk.

## Method

This stamp could be purchased on the shop when you log into your account while inside the country.

You will keep it and be able to send to other penpals even after you return from your trip.