How 1,000-Year-Old Tie-Dye Designs Are Made in Gambia | Still Standing | Insider Business

Natural dyes from kola nuts and indigo have been used to make tie-dye in Gambia for generations. But more and more artisans have been replacing these traditional ingredients with imported chemical dyes. Today, Musa Jaiteh is the last artisan in his town in Gambia still using only natural dyes and traditional techniques.
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How Fabrics Made for ‘The Woman King’ Were Made in Gambia The Traditional Way | Insider Business

[@E42545]

I can’t overstate to anyone watching who isn’t familiar with fiber arts how insanely insanely difficult that pleating he’s doing is the way he’s doing it. For reference, for a lot of projects that use small pleats- especially for a piece of fabric that large- you’d use loosely sewn threads to tug it into folds, or even a hand-cranked machine. Doing it so perfectly that quickly by hand is absolute masterwork

[@x0j]

wow who cares?

[@swollentesticle420]

@@x0j bad bait

[@mwater_moon2865]

The problem is if you sew it, the thread is likely to suck up dye, and that would change the look when it's tye-died. AS I found to my chagrin when I tried to do a large bed curtain the "quick" and "easy" way.....

[@Lady_dromeda]

Yeah, I’ve done stitching for dying before and it was hard to get it tight enough, glad i used dental floss or else the thread would have broken every pull

[@tyffanypoudrier2826]

@@x0jif you don’t care get the heck off this channel ! Clearly it struck a nerve with you and you do otherwise you would not comment

[@Ekow_TheStoryTeller]

This is truly authentic. Originally African and proudly Gambian. Appreciation to Woman King for saving this business and giving it a global exposure

[@pawanjyoti5134]

The last part made me happy when his daughter said that they’ll take over and keep the craft alive 😊

[@phranerphamily]

Thank you to insider for not just highlighting these individual crafts people across the world but including their website so that those of us that can, can purchase from them to keep their art alive

[@WME460]

I couldn’t find the link.. can you share it please.

[@donovanb9020]

I personally feel that stuff like this should be immortalized into text, just as the masters of the craft describe it, so that this gorgeous art is preserved for future generations. Forgetting beautiful techniques like this does a disservice to the generations of people that came before. This stuff is so cool that I, eventually, would like to learn this skill myself.

[@elysiyah3364]

No because then Gentiles will take over, commercialize it and make a profit off their hard work, he has kids that he's passing the tradition down to! They're doing just fine!

[@aminatacham7443]

As a Gambian myself, I feel so proud of our culture and I pray it doesn’t die out

[@Territheberry]

Truly beautiful culture

[@ebubeawachie]

The last scene with his daughter saying she’ll continue the business and then him with the baby made me tear up. Such a lovely man.

[@stephanieyee9784]

I love Muse's work. What a fantastic turn of fate for him to be asked to make the costumes for a Hollywood movie! Especially as his pieces are all hand crafted. It's good to hear that he is sticking with making his dyes naturally rather than going the chemical route. Good luck to Musa and his family.

[@aaron6178]

Fun fact, in Java, Indonesia, where the Batik technique was devised, is still extremely popular to this day. The Batik market in Yogyakarta is worth a visit. It's amazing stuff. The word dervies from the Javanese 'Mbat titik' meaning 'throwing dots'.

[@dadarmwn]

also fun fact... most of the younger generation in Indonesia not willing to learn how to "mbatik" especially the traditional handmade one.

[@audreyh6628]

@@dadarmwn that's because the market is flooded with machine-made, mass manufactured batik that can be produced for so much cheaper than true handmade. This is why craft is dying out around the world. People need to recognise the value of supporting true hand-making artisans and pay the fair price. Until this happens, of course younger generations will not be willing to learn

[@AnimeShinigami13]

After seeing this I felt inspired to mix up a quick batch of rooibos tea dye in a canning jar. Rooibos tea bags, alum and cream of tartar, stuff these in a quart jar along with your yarn and fiber and then fill with hot water. You can use this for a number of things in the kitchen and some will even change color with PH. For example I turned tumeric into a gold color, and with baking soda that gold color turned rust orange/red. I made a cloudy dark blue/grey from the hulls of sunflower seeds (make sure they're ONLY the hulls that are black, the ones with striped hulls won't work. Rudbekia (also called Black eyed susan) creates a dull yellow on cotton but if you use it on wool it creates an army green. And more recently I made dried, fairly dusty geraniums into a magenta dye that turns slowly purple over time. I clicked on this video looking for more inspiration and to learn about the natural colors made overseas.

[@countdown-sh9no]

What can you replace the alum with?

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

wow cool

[@ooooneeee]

Dyeing with plant colours is amazing. Though they often need additives to prevent photobleaching from sunlight over the years.

[@dadarmwn]

It is wonderful to see the younger generation like uncle Musa's children that are willing to continue the tradition. And I appreciate uncle Musa for keep on using natural coloring because he knows the side effect of using the chemical one. I hope there will be more people like uncle Musa and his children in any part of this world to preserve the tradition that they have.

[@maisiefreeman8597]

I watched The Woman King just a few days ago, and was immediately struck by the beauty of the fabrics used. As a white westerner, we never get the chance to see that side of Africa's history, and it was incredible. I'm so pleased this tradition is going to be passed on.

[@yoroshikuonegaishimasu8649]

Woman king is not real history

[@ScrapKnight2005]

It was a horrible movie, but the tie dyes were beautiful.

[@captainpancake8177]

​@@ScrapKnight2005💀💀

[@safaiaryu12]

These eyes are incredibly vibrant. Why even bother with chemicals dyes? Also, the tie-dye this dude makes is beautiful. I love how intricate it is. The batik is gorgeous, too, but I've never seen tie-dye that looks so carefully made.

[@sophroniel]

Wow, these are so beautiful! Such a talented man. I wish I could learn from him! For those interested, ash + water creates lye (the beginning chemical for saponification, the process of making soap), and different plants make different levels of caustic strength due to their innate chemical makeup. It can also affect colour, from just intensifying the colour without changing the mordant to creating a completely different colour. That Mr Jaiteh was able to discover this using plants nearby without scientific textbooks and that sort of thing is incredibly impressive, and shows not only how smart he is but shows someone who uses the resources at hand, reminding us all that hat for those who have the desire to make something, no fancy equipments are needed to make true art!! I cannot afford his products myself but I wish I could afford to support his work, it's one of those rare beauties you see only every now and then.

[@GamMusicPromo]

I have been watching this channel for a while now and now you guys came to my country, The Gambia. Thank you insider 🤝🤝🤝

[@nellieken]

I love this and i hope you explore more west African and African crafts as a whole.

[@aaron6178]

Ironically it is a Javanese technique from Indonesia. A case of cultural transfer.

[@nellieken]

@@aaron6178 The technique from Indonesia is the specific use of specially carved wooden blocks. Because dying has existed on the African continent for centuries before contact witb Indonesians.

[@Ooweeeooo]

Smart man to use traditional techniques. Keep the local ways alive.

[@ugochukwuharbor5519]

Inspiring story. Very happy the world gets to share in his story!

[@poojakarkala9263]

This is the most beautiful video in this channel. The amount of hardwork he’s putting is insane!! I hope the art stays on for generations…

[@JesseJohnson-e8v]

Thank you to insider for not just highlighting these individual crafts people across the world but including their website so that those of us that can, can purchase from them to keep their art alive

[@Maarjaanaa]

What an an artist. I admire his work, his philosopy and these nice children, too!

[@princeblack6951]

We need to keep a lot of traditional styles and methods.

[@rios5944]

We either go the easy and boring way or the hard and rewarding way

[@Nikki_Catnip]

His work is absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@KittenParadise]

Thank you for these documentaries that allows us to learn about these traditions and hope his business will thrive. Support for natural dyes is precious. ❤❤❤

[@ayakashimabukuro142]

I love this. It’s inspired me to find what I can use as a natural dye here in Namibia. I’d love to learn more from artists like this✨

[@zaibsoomro]

I'm here from Bhitshah Pakistan. I can also contribute as well

[@heinrichmuller7974]

what a very impressive craftsman! i hope he continues to make his wares and that he enjoys success in his and his families lives, thanks for bringing this video to us.

[@hathuy8393]

Thank you so much for letting us watch these video for free. It really supports for English learners!!!

[@surniahyatulfitri5417]

Proud batik being mentioned, Musa works it just a masterpiece, keep going Musa

[@bellarosablog]

I love learning new things about different cultures on this channel

[@sayitright77]

i placed my order, can't wait to get it. :) t.y. for spot lighting him & his family.

[@Naturesbeautyfloraandfauna]

Do you know his address can you share it

[@africanfabricshop5381]

Thank you - we have a pile of orders for Musa's fabric today!

[@sayitright77]

@@africanfabricshop5381 thank you so much. i would love to see the purple & blues added to the website. :)

[@andrewweaver2517]

This guy needs to get his stuff on Grateful Dead and Phish tour, especially with that circle ⭕️ design. He could make a fortune in a single season.

[@raquels9880]

What a remarkable man. You can see he has such a great soul, I love how soft spoken he is so careful and generous. He's right, that was a sign that he must keep going. Much love for all the good people in the world

[@sundarbharadwajpaidy5355]

Hope and Trust are the two most important things, your narrative of Mr. Musa's story has brought them back, someone who believes in the traditional methods, competing against the most contemporary and easy (less effort) to adapt, and believing in his art form, the amount of trust he has achieved from his family to continue his legacy, even with all the influences of the world around them and still finding their contentment through the art form is divine.🙏 By the way, the 'Asaman' technique, the sky, it seems to be derived from the hindi word 'Aasmaan'

[@sundarbharadwajpaidy5355]

@Ohmra3 I understand dear, but the strange, yet very close words to describe the same sky, just makes me wonder how close all these races must be, or may not be, (the thought of having similarities between linguistic cultures brings a strong feeling of hope), that's what all I was hinting at, not claiming anything at all.😊🤝

[@sundarbharadwajpaidy5355]

@Ohmra3 Thanks for understanding, many claims are being made as such, I do understand, and have come across such claims too, which are native to India or the sub-continent, but are claimed to be someone else's, I understand the pain there, thanks for taking the time and patience to clear things and reflecting your feelings in a very clear manner, very happy to have such transparent conversation with you.🤝🤝😊

[@nz-nz]

What a lovely story. God Bless Musa and his family 🙏❤️

[@gorillapermacuture]

Where are the wealthy who can afford and who value hand made traditional arts? It only takes one wealthy collecter/ distributer who will take everything the guy can make. I always prefer hand made and authentic over disposable robot made garbage with NO personality, NO MANA from the maker.

[@mattsmith5250]

Because they are in Gambia. Wealthy people in African countries normally like to dress in western style.

[@gorillapermacuture]

@@mattsmith5250 Thanks, I was referring to the international community. Like the trustifari hippies, BLM activist and the like.

[@silverXnoise]

Concentrated wealth is the problem, not the solution.

[@stankythecat6735]

When I travel I usually buy art. I make a point of spending only on local artist. Two summers ago I found a kid in Barcelona who made furniture out of old fire hoses. I bought a chair and shipped it home. It’s one of the items in my home people ask about the most. I’m happily promoting him here in LA

[@yonathanrakau1783]

You're asking as if people from these countries have the same mindset like western countries 😒. We mostly aren't that obsessed with originality

[@riagupta6871]

I love the accent words expressiveness narratives ...it's content .Business insider : you put lot of work in your videos ,it's perfection .

[@jdmosaics]

What a beautiful film and an amazing craftsman! Made me cry when he said it makes him happy to pass on his knowledge to help others help themselves.. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@VernettaRFreeney]

OMG I love that movie and your work Musa was absolutely beautiful on the warriors. Praying God continues to open more doors for you.

[@taqwa9650]

I simply love how people can be happy with simple things in life and enjoy their job Mill 👏☺️

[@NERDS143]

Such a blessing to be handed down a tradition

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

I have always thought that African clothing was beautiful and many times the most vibrant of all cultures as far as patterns and colors. That hasn't changed with this video as your cloths are both and my favorite pattern of yours is 9:50. Though it is not as vibrant in color it's naturally dyed witch is amazing. Sad to know more natural dyed clothes aren't made in Africa anymore, but it is good to see at least some are. Hopefully you find more luck with the average citizen as well as the influential ones in your business future.

[@xenangom7985]

This made me happy to see. I am from neighboring Senegal but my mothers tribe wears these clothes.

[@jk_016]

I am studying in textile engineering and I love this kind of video. Make more and more

[@diegolamaart]

When I grow up I want to be like Musa

[@grospegeronimoiiip.1737]

But you are appready grown up?

[@875090211]

Entirely amazing!

[@tazzyhyena6369]

I appreciate this exposure of and record keeping this craft, it is a valuable piece of culture and history.

[@OpinionisnotFact]

I was not expecting that happy surprise at the end! Loved this video!

[@h0rriphic]

If i was able to travel to Gambia id love to buy this man’s art.

[@debbiemarquis3231]

Thanks for this..i work with a designer that only use natural hand dyed fabric..this was very educational..

[@bintam5034]

Loved it!!!

[@haddyceesay9936]

So proud of this from my lovely country ❤

[@ceriusdime2507]

Beautiful craftsmanship

[@mikebarton]

07:18 I spent a day with some indigo dye makers years back. Fascinating. Extraordinary colour. 👏👏👏

[@hannahjustin7583]

It's so pretty!!

[@Altearithe]

Thanks for sharing his work! I've bookmarked the website for later. :D

[@matarrjobe4577]

The simple reason why it takes time to produce one outfit. African fashion is not for mass production

[@MonaLisaFire]

Wow glad his work was in the movie❤

[@Sashabeana]

This show how hard working they are before they are able to get each piece of their work. How amazing.

[@briskbronco8292]

There are many other countries like Gambia that still use this ancient method and teach it to the next generations to come. Natural Dye making actually staying strong and alive to this day. Natural dyes are actually safer than chemically made dyes

[@elizabethchandler7377]

Musa will never hurt for the want of apprentices. And that is a good thing for it means his craft will never truly disappear, and the world will be richer for it. 😁

[@abdouliejoof4977]

Rich and beautiful culture

[@fishermann1102]

Good for the filmmaker to help Musa and his family out and sustain this fragile artform. Thank you

[@ajokhio2909]

beautiful ...respect from Pakistan

[@nadynefaisal61]

i love how at 1:54 they show the daughter where a tie dyed shirt made from chemicals

[@mwitalemi]

Nice video! Of note, The cola nuts grow pretty much as well along the east African coast as well.

[@vilmamargaritagutierrezgyl7331]

Muy bueno .espero realicen mas videos como este y ójala en español

[@PinkiPunki-z2w]

Thats orange and brown at 9.55mins is lushness. I personally prefer natural dyes with the tie dye technology. His style of batik with the printed version of blocks instead of actually using normal tjanting is lovely seeing. He should sell that orange dye online I’ve never seen that one before. I would buy some immediate

[@Chad-Giga.]

Amazing they have this knowledge of dye chemistry using wild crafted materials

[@donnafraenkel7852]

It's great he's concerned about the environment ❤ great work!

[@tbeniel]

The batique technique is used in various dutch colonies. In Srilanka, we use the same!

[@ahotdj07]

His work is beautiful and amazing. I am so happy he got a sweet deal with The Woman King for the movie.

[@yawfraser]

This is beautiful l.

[@maamold]

I got chills when I was told his work was in "The Woman King' - Well done!

[@Yashuop]

Raise your hand if you've been watching insider business for a long time🤚

[@fairefortune5012]

Very impressive!

[@jaymeemangang9506]

God bless the women king team for choosing him! 💜💜💜

[@myjiminparker]

So his work debuted in hollywood. Idk if he was paid a handful amount (does not seem so) this is exclusively his design and hand made craft, so underrated but on the other hands if you see these elite fashion designers, they're making millions out of just simple designs and clothes.

[@eswaribalan164]

Simply wow, love this video clip.

[@farah_di_ipoh1968]

I love it that he permits the children to take part in dyeing the fabric! At least they are not on the phone 24/7! (They may not be able to afford it but they substitute it with this precious skill!). I love fabric from the African continent. I had a university friend from Nigeria and she let me borrow the two piece clothes. I loved it. Unfortunately I have not seen any fabric from Africa here in my country. 😭

[@lexuinosirg5491]

I would like to have one with the orange stripes ,so beautiful

[@braunarsch]

this is awesome!

[@Imjustacatlady]

A beautiful art!

[@rev.dr.dayspring7805]

Marvel movies take note! I want to see these pleats in the 3rd Black Panther movie and wakanda series, the Midnight Angels staring the star of the woman king! I want that pleated style... I want it. My fathers grandfather was a blacksmith, my grandfather wasa machinest, my father a blacksmith, i am a blacksmith and i am teaching my nephew (10 yrs old) to be a blacksmith... Family IS EVERY THING.... Thank you for this video and for a look into your lives and for seeing my family echo your family.!!!!!

[@shaneviola8848]

This makes me want to visit Africa and buy stuff from people like this.

[@ravendreaming3966]

Amazing to compare my own indigo vat in the United States to his! Same chemical reaction, continents apart. Though I think he's a bit better at it than I am.

[@Nevernice219]

Inshallah when I go back home I’ll love to see Musa he so inspirational and I learned a lot why we are not lacking is because we don’t embrace what’s ours so sad😭 must off the chemicals might be even the reason my people aren’t healthy we just throw everything that’s good and healthy and depend on what the colonisers are cheaply producing. Why showing those kids near the well that made my day🤣

[@patstevens1349]

I just watched that movie 🎬 The women King 🤴 and it was such a great movie, I'm so happy he got to help make the clothes and I hope he made some.hokd money 💰 as well bc he deserves it!!!!

[@alicia_outtahere]

This is so so cool. I'd live to see where to buy his things I would definitely buy stuff, also that he is the one who made all that stuff for the woman king!!!! Dude that is sooooo cool. What a beautiful story and a amazing person honestly I wouldn't want those chemicals on my body. Also how does he remove the wax?

[@donaldharlan3981]

excellent craft !

[@hiyelow2999]

Fendi and Chanel have interest in his work!

[@mikelaw9872]

beautiful, wish you all the best.

[@meghmoulimandal1718]

Here in West Bengal we have batik prints too!

[@palava_the]

Amazing Story

[@G8000........]

Lovely

[@dawoodqureshi2023]

We have something similar in India to this. Here we call it bandhani

[@hiyahiy]

Yes teach them so they can learn make and sell and give them something to do

[@joshs3775]

Everyone should wear work gloves more even myself. Gotta protect those hands bud

[@rallyworld3417]

2:45 Oh my god aasman also means sky in Hindi language

[@minbae6306]

That's what i was thinking

[@Onedon29]

Amazing 👍.

[@vward4871]

His craftsmanship is beautiful. I do hope his children continue the tradition.