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Date: | Tue, 14 Oct 1997 17:12:18 Z |
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I put the question of a northeast coast shellfish dye to Bill Adams,
Wetlands Biologist in my office and got this reply (see second
paragraph):
Richard-
Interesting subject. Technically, cochineal dye is *red* and is made
from a certain species of insect. I don't remember which one (probably
a beetle) but if you want to know, I can find out. The *purple* dyes
of antiquity (royal purple of the greco-roman era) came from a species
of Murex, a marine gastropod, found in the Mediterranean. Again, I
don't recall the species. Many Phoenicians got rich trading in this
mollusc.
There is a family (Thaisidae) of North American marine gastropods
which have also been used to produce *red* dyes. I have not read
Josselyn's 17th century report, but if the species came from Maine,
there was a fair likelihood he was referring to *Thais lapillus*, a
species with many common names (little rock purple, dog winkle, horse
winkle, sting winkle). It's fairly common in shallow water from
Newfoundland south to the New York area. Other species within the
family also produce red dyes but, to my knowledge, would not be as
readily available.
Bill
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Subject: Re: cochineal dye
Author: [log in to unmask] at Internet
Date: 10/10/97 12:00 AM
Not too get too far off track here but there may have been a type of
shellfish in the Northeastern coast of North America that produced a
similar dye to the Mediterranean mussel. It is mentioned in the mid
17th century on the coast of Maine, by at least one Englishman (
Josselyn). I do not know if this has been verified by modern
biologists but it might pose some interesting questions for those
interested in prehistoric textile arts in North America. ps Cochineal
can still be purchased in both bulk and for home use, and it is a bit
tricky for first time users, best of luck.
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