Development of Natural Dyeing Color Decorations on Traditional Nias Pandanus Weaving as a Souvenir Product

Abstract

One of the cultural treasures in Nias is the tradition of weaving made from pandan thorn leaves (Pandanus tectorius) called sinasa leaves or swamp grass (Eleocharis dulcis) called keleömö. Various weaving patterns with very distinctive structures can be found in this area comparing to those of other regions. Some of the compositions are made with a certain color composition. Unfortunately, the knowledge of traditional weaving dyeing techniques in Nias has extinct. Traditionally, the people of Nias use the fruit of the Sianuza tree to produce red, the forest banana tree trunk for purple, and turmeric for yellow. The loss of traditional knowledge in extracting colors and the long process of making natural dyes made Nias people turn to synthetic dyes to color their traditional weaving. This research aims to revitalize Nias natural dyeing practice by exploring Nias biodiversity and adapt the exploration into souvenir products. Through an understanding of natural dyeing techniques that have been carried out in Indonesia and the research material that Nias has, a natural dyeing can be an added value and become an appeal for souvenir products in the area. This is also in line with the concept of sustainability which is currently being echoed globally. The research method was carried out with quantitative methods through experimentation. The data collection stage was done by collecting references around Indonesian natural dyes that could be adapted for Nias such as gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb), turmeric (Curcuma domestica), and betel nut (Areca catechu L.) with hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) and vinegar (CH3COOH) as the color amplifier. The exploration stage for natural dyes is carried out by manually introducing efficient natural dye materials and techniques. The results of this research are three explorations of natural dyes as a reference for the development of traditional Nias souvenir products.