Title: Dactylopius coccus Date: 23/01/2019
Cochineal is an oval insect that grows on cactus recovered by a white wax to protect itself from sun and water loss. Used by Mayas and Aztecs is exported to Europe by the Spanish as an expensive red dye, responsible to a great extent of its imperial economy. Once the synthetic colors appeared, the use and value of this material decreased. Type: insect Color: red Part: whole insect Applications tested: dyed cotton Mordants: alum, iron, titane