Materials Lab Workshop: Exploring Traditional Zapotec Cochineal Dyeing with Porfirio Gutiérrez

This event requires registration; see further details below.

Natural materials have been used to produce dyes and colorants throughout much of human history. The red juice derived from cochineal insects has influenced cultures and artistic practices throughout the world since the 16th century. Pericón, or wild marigold, which is indigenous to Mexico and known for its medicinal uses, is a source of a beautiful yellow dye. In the ancient Zapotec culture, color is an outcome of a deeply spiritual relationship with nature, one in which the spiritual understanding of the cochineal insects, for example, is deeply entwined with the creation of the color red.

In this two-day weekend workshop, you’ll explore traditional cochineal dyeing with master dyer and weaver Porfirio Gutiérrez, who comes from a long line of Zapotec weavers from Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. The workshop will offer participants a multisensory immersion into his culture’s worldview and the opportunity to dye material using natural colorants derived from the above materials. Participants will learn about different dye materials and the historical and cultural context of the cochineal insect, and they will learn about the science and chemistry involved in creating rich shades of reds.

On the first day, Saturday, June 24, Gutiérrez will introduce participants to the cultural and spiritual significance of the color red in the Zapotec community. Each participant will mordant a textile (a wool scarf) and then prepare a pericón dye vat to create a yellow under-dye for the cochineal red. On the second day, Sunday, June 25, the group will grind the cochineal, prepare a dye bath, and control its color by altering its acidity. Participants will have the chance to dye their scarves using one of the red dyes they produce.

Each hands-on session will take place in the Materials Lab on the Lower Level.

$350 workshop and materials fee. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration will open on this form beginning on Wednesday, June 14, after 10am. Workshop fee must be paid to confirm registration. Please email am_register@harvard.edu or call 617-495-1440 to join the waitlist. Minimum age of 14; no previous experience required.

Changes and Cancellations: All sales are final; we cannot accept cancellations. If you must cancel, your registration fee will not be refunded. If Porfirio Gutiérrez needs to cancel this workshop, your registration fee will be refunded.

Please see the museum visit page to learn about our general policies for visiting the museums.

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to accessibility for all visitors. For anyone requiring accessibility accommodations for our programs, please contact us at am_register@harvard.edu at least 48 hours in advance.