FABRIC: KHADI COTTON
Region: Mexico
Fabric Name:
Khadi cotton
Origin:
Couychi and Heritage White Cotton, both pre-Hispanic varieties
Who made our fabric:
Khadi Oaxaca, San Sebastián Rio Hondo, Mexico
Natural history and ecology:
Heritage white cotton and Coyuchi cotton, a pre-hispanic naturally brown variety, are grown in the ancestral practice of intercropping with corn and other edible plants (milpa).
What makes this so special:
These heritage white and pre-Hispanic naturally brown (coyuchi) cotton Gossypium sp. fabrics are made by the remarkable Khadi Oaxaca in Mexico. Focused on responsible environmental practices, these dedicated makers create chemical-free fabrics and clothing using only regionally harvested raw materials and dyes. Drawing from ancestral practices of intercropping, all these cottons are grown with corn and other edible plants. Inspired by Gandhi's spinning wheel design and community involvement, Khadi Oaxaca’s fabrics are handspun and handwoven and includes a growing community of more than 1000 members.
Heritage cotton from Mexico - spinning wheels from India.
“It's about the handspun. That's where the miracle happens. The miracle in the cause and effect. The thread has got the energy to manifest. There are a lot of people who are having a hard time economically, right? We can, with hand spinning alone, we can help…people to support themselves on all levels in, the inner cities to the most excluded villages.”
— Cheo Martinez/Khadi Cotton
“We carefully select all the raw materials we use, taking care of the land and ourselves.”
Photo by Thomas L. Kelly for ATW80Fabrocs
Natural Dyes in this fabric…
COMMON NAME: Cochineal
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Doctylopius coccus
PART USED: The entire body of the insect
COMMON NAME: Indigo leaves and Pericon flowers
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Indigofera suffruticosa and Tagetes lucida
PART USED: Leaves and flowers
POTENTIAL MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: No known medicinal properties but used as a food and cosmetic colorant
POTENTIAL MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Indigo: anti-inflammatory and other possible properties - Pericon: used for gastrointestinal issues, depression and anxiety - history as a sacred herb known for its protective cleansing properties and ability to stimulate visions
Pinotepa Nacional, San Sebastián de Rio Hondo, Oaxaca City, 2023. Image courtesy of Jamie House and Panasonic.