The traditional skills and knowledge of the Kreung in natural dyeing was almost lost. The Kreung women are now actively reviving their skills in natural dyeing.



Locally available materials for natural dyes include barks, leaves, vines and earth and clay.

“Kadaang” from the bark of a tree that is found 3-5km from their village, this produces an earthy tone.



“Trom” from clay collected near the village

These materials, for example, tree barks, are harvested sustainably in order not to kill the tree. There are 5 species that are currently being used as dye material. For each species, around 3 trees are harvested in rotation.



The process of producing a piece of naturally dyed textile takes up to 10 days of hard work. The steps include sourcing raw materials, processing and then mixing the materials for the dye, boiling and stimulating materials and thread, drying the thread, and finishing. 6 days for dyeing process, 4 days for weaving.



Threads are soaked in dye for up to 5 or 6 nights – the longer, the darker the final colour.