Reviving the use of plant dyes for sisal (Agave sisalana) fibres in a Brazilian artisan community

Bibliographic Data

ID17823137
AuthorsMaria Cristina Teixeira Braga Messias (0000-0003-0300-9038, corresponding author), Maria Auxiliadora Drumond (0000-0002-0677-6673)
Year2026
Volume17
Issue1
Pages238-253
Publication date2026-04-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSustainability in Debate (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2177-7675 • E-ISSN: 2179-9067
PublisherEditora de Livros IABS (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18472/sustdeb.v17n1.2026.58328
OpenAlexW7159930035
LanguageEN
References cited26

Sisal fibre handicrafts, common in tropical regions, traditionally relied on plant-based dyes. However, these have largely been replaced by synthetic dyes, contributing to the loss of traditional knowledge.This study aimed to document plant species historically used to dye sisal and assess the potential forreintroducing natural dyes in a Brazilian artisan community. An ethnobotanical study was conducted through interviews and participatory dyeing workshops with 154 artisans selected via the snowball sampling method. Although artisans relied exclusively on synthetic dyes, they recalled 33 plant species that had formerly been used for dyeing. The trials expanded the range of natural dye options for sisaland renewed artisan nterest in producing market-aligned colours. The adoption of eco-friendly, nontoxic, low-cost natural dyes that add value to their crafts also strengthened community engagement.Efforts like this, especially in regions rich in plant and cultural diversity, help preserve traditional practices and support more sustainable artisanal production

Dyeing · Ethnobotany · Recipe · SISAL · Snowball sampling · Sustainability · Biological Stains and Phytochemicals · Botanical Research and Applications · Dyeing and Modifying Textile Fibers

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Open DOIOpen Access