Henna, also known as Mehendi, originates from India and is derived from a plant called Lawsonia Enermims. Although the history and origin of Henna is hard to trace, it has been used for at least 5,000 years in both cosmetic and healing capacities. Henna is most commonly used as temporary body art which stains the…

Foraging and farming have been linked together as rural agrarian traditions across the globe. Nearly a lost tradition in North America, foraging is fiercely preserved in more remote and rural communities where cultural traditions remain strong. Due to its relative isolation, Lopez Island has largely retained its close ties to otherwise forgotten foraging and farming…

All cultures have dye traditions but, today, few people retain the knowledge or continue the practice of natural plant dyeing. Prior to the 1850s, all dyes, stains, inks, and paints were created with natural materials. While cultures have developed their own unique traditions based on regional materials and cultural propensities, certain universal dye principles apply…