Editor Pick
Cochineal: Oaxaca's Brilliant Red Insect Dye
- September 6, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Casa Machaya from Oaxaca, Mexico
The museum and research and learning facilities of the grana cochinilla fina, more commonly referred to as the cochineal, is one of Oaxaca’s best-kept secrets...unfortunately. If it warranted a stop on the busy schedule of Prince Charles, then surely it ought to be considered as part of any Oaxacan sojourn. This tiny bug, which attaches itself to the nopal cactus, since the 1700s has been know to produce one of the strongest red dyes known to humankind. In fact, in 1758, Oaxacan exported over 1.5 million pounds of the pigment to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
At the time of the conquest, the Spanish noted that the indigenous populations of the valley of Oaxaca were dying their clothes, foods, and household items with a brilliant red dye. Synthetic dyes were unknown, and this pigment was stronger than any previously used colorations around the globe. The Spanish therefore embarked upon an export industry, sending the dried cochineal overseas. During the 1700s, cochineal was the most valuable commodity on the world stage next to gold and silver.
By taking a tour of the facility, which, by the way, is only a kilometer away from the famed black-pottery village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, which shouldn't be missed, you’ll learn about the historical importance of the insect on the world stage, its life cycle, and how it's produced, harvested, and dried. Most importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to learn of its current applications. In Oaxaca it’s used to produce the red, orange, and purple dye, the pigment utilized in the fine all-wool rugs found in the town of Teotitlan del Valle. However, what’s even more astounding is that even today, internationally, the cochineal insect is used to color makeup and lipsticks, Campbell and Knorr soups, Danone yoghurt, and even Campari.
Walk through the outdoor museum and ranch and learn about other natural dyes as well, and finally watch a 12-minute video that puts the importance of the cochineal in its proper historic and contemporary context.
It's surprising to learn of the existence of this site on a route passing through other better-known stops along the highway, but after a tour of the facility, it ends up ranking high, and for good reason.
From journal The Magic of Oaxaca, Mexico