I just read this paper on traditional indigo dyeing methods in Southeast Asia & China and it's so INTERESTING.

- did you know: humans have been dying textiles with indigo dyes for at LEAST 6,000 years? despite it being a very complex multi-stage process? I am so impressed. (I'm also impressed we manage to have evidence of this! archeological research into the history of fibre arts is always a trial, for obvious reasons)

- an indigo dye vat needs to be an alkaline environment that has been fermented to grow anaerobic bacteria

- the dye vat will need various ingredients included to promote the fermentation and the correct type of bacterial growth, as well as to create the alkaline environment, and is monitored and maintained over time to make sure it goes right

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