Researchers find oldest dyed indigo-blue fabric; discovery suggests jeans may have origins in ancient Peru

A 6200-year-old textile dyed indigo-blue has been discovered by researchers, who claim it is one of the oldest-known cotton textiles in the world. It is also one of the earliest known textile dyed with indigo blue. The discovery has also marked the earliest use of indigo as a dye, according to researchers, who say is a technically challenging colour to produce. The finding suggests that the popular denim jeans may have its origin in ancient Peru.

The research points towards the sophisticated textile technology which was developed 6200-years-ago by the ancient Andean people, Jeffrey Splitstoser from George Washington University in the US said.

 “Some of the world’s most significant technological achievements were developed first in the New World,” said Splitstoser. “Many people, however, remain mostly unaware of the important technological contributions made by Native Americans, perhaps because so many of these technologies were replaced by European systems during the conquest,” he added.

“However, the fine fibres and sophisticated dyeing, spinning and weaving practices developed by ancient South Americans were quickly co-opted by Europeans,” said Splitstoser.

An excavation at Huaca Prieta in 2009 led to the discovery of the textile. Huaca Prieta is a desert area that offers nearly pristine archaeological preservation on the north coast of Peru.

According to experts, the site could be a temple where a variety of textiles and other offerings were placed, possibly as part of a ritual.

The well-preserved artifacts give a glimpse into ancient civilisation and lifestyle and offer an unexpected connection to the 21st century, researchers said. Splitstoser said  the development of indigo dye was critical for future trends in fashion, fabrics and textile arts.

“The cotton used in Huaca Prieta fabrics, Gossypium barbadense, is the same species grown today known as Egyptian cotton,” Splitstoser said.“And that’s not the only cotton connection we made in this excavation we may well not have had blue jeans if it weren’t for the ancient South Americans,” he said.

The research was published in the journal Science Advances.

(With inputs from PTI)