Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where can the origins of indigo be traced back to?
Where can the origins of indigo be traced back to?
ancient Mesoamerica around 2500 BCE
When did the first evidence of indigo production emerge in the Indus Valley Civilization?
When did the first evidence of indigo production emerge in the Indus Valley Civilization?
around 1500 BCE
When did the Chinese start importing indigo from India?
When did the Chinese start importing indigo from India?
1 CE
When did indigo dye reach Japan from China?
When did indigo dye reach Japan from China?
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Which European companies introduced indigo dyes to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries?
Which European companies introduced indigo dyes to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries?
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In which American colonies did indigo production expand in the 18th century?
In which American colonies did indigo production expand in the 18th century?
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What countries dominated the indigo market in the 19th century?
What countries dominated the indigo market in the 19th century?
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What synthetic indigo became the standard for mass production in the 20th century?
What synthetic indigo became the standard for mass production in the 20th century?
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Why has interest in natural indigo been revived in recent decades?
Why has interest in natural indigo been revived in recent decades?
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Who developed the Indigo Assessment to identify high potential entrepreneurs?
Who developed the Indigo Assessment to identify high potential entrepreneurs?
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What is the main feature of the Indigo Assessment developed by Dr. Eric Gehrig?
What is the main feature of the Indigo Assessment developed by Dr. Eric Gehrig?
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What aspects of human history does the history of indigo encompass?
What aspects of human history does the history of indigo encompass?
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Study Notes
The History of Indigo: A Timeless Dye and its Evolution
Indigo, the deep, blue dye derived from various plants, has a rich history that spans civilizations and continents. This natural pigment has been integral to human culture for millennia, and its story is woven through time with threads of innovation, trade, and community.
Early Indigo Use
Indigo's origins can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerica around 2500 BCE, where the Mayans used the indigo dye derived from the Indigofera suffruticosa plant. Later, around 1500 BCE, the first evidence of indigo production emerged in the Indus Valley Civilization, which spread from modern-day Pakistan to northwestern India.
Indigo Trading Routes
As indigo gained popularity, trade routes developed to transport the blue dye across continents. By 1 CE, the Chinese were importing indigo from India, and by 1000 CE, indigo dye reached Japan from China. The Dutch and English East India Companies bolstered this trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, introducing indigo dyes to Europe.
Indigo in Colonial America and Beyond
In the 18th century, indigo production expanded in the American colonies under British rule, particularly in Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia. Plantations focused on indigo cultivation, and enslaved Africans were forced to work the fields. In 1807, the British Parliament outlawed the transatlantic trade of enslaved people, which effectively ended indigo cultivation in the United States.
Indigo in Modern Times
Indigo production shifted to Asia in the 19th century, with countries like Japan, Korea, and India dominating the market. In the 20th century, synthetic indigo (C.I. 73015) became the standard for mass production, replacing the natural plant-based dye. However, interest in natural indigo has been revived in recent decades as consumers seek more environmentally friendly options.
The Indigo Research Library
Target Training International (TTI) has studied the science behind the Indigo Assessment, validating its ability to identify high potential entrepreneurs. This assessment, developed by Dr. Eric Gehrig, has been statistically validated and continues to be a tool for identifying entrepreneurial potential in students.
In conclusion, the history of indigo is rich in culture, trade, and innovation. From its humble beginnings in ancient Mesoamerica to its prominence in colonial America and modern Asia, indigo's story is an integral part of human history. The Indigo Assessment, a modern tool that has been scientifically validated, continues to build upon this legacy and highlight the importance of individuality and entrepreneurial potential.
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Description
Explore the rich history of indigo, a deep blue dye with origins dating back to ancient civilizations like Mesoamerica and the Indus Valley. Learn about its role in trade routes, colonial America, and modern times, including the shift to synthetic production and the resurgence of natural indigo.
