English subtitles of the interview with the former dyer SIM - 1

The former dyer SIM describes all the stages of the indigo dyeing process: sowing of indigo seeds; harvesting; first phase of decomposition of the leaves; preparation of the secial ash (zaata) and potash used in the composition of the dye; preparation of the dye bath; dyeing of the skeins of yarn; dyeing of the loincloths; folding and calendering of the loincloths. He also explains how the dyeing vats were made and sealed. To support his description, he uses objects and materials available around him to evoke the tools used or mimic the gestures and postures involved in each stage of the process. To further enhance his description, the investigators show him two photos of a dyeing workshop in Kano (Nigeria), so that he can point out similarities and differences. Finally, he specifies the shades of colour that could be obtained with indigo dye (see also 2019LG08-O05-0402 and 2019LG08-O05-0403).