Armenia, a land steeped in history and culture, has long been renowned for its vibrant mineral and organic dyes. These dyes, whose secrets have been lost to time, were once a cornerstone of Armenian craftsmanship. Among these, carmine—a red dye derived from female cochineal worms found in the salt marshes of the Ararat Valley—stands out for its historical significance and unique production process.
The Mystical Cochineal Worms
The cochineal worms, which emerge from the earth only in the evenings of September and October, were the source of this precious dye. Leonardo da Vinci himself mentioned in his diaries a paint he brought from Armenia, noting its uniqueness in Europe. It is believed that he was referring to carmine, highlighting the dye’s exclusivity and the advanced dyeing techniques of ancient Armenia.
The Enigma of Erebuni’s Paintings
One of the most intriguing aspects of Armenian dyes is the mystery surrounding the paintings of the Erebuni temple complexes. Founded in the 8th century BC in what is now Yerevan, Erebuni’s walls were adorned with mineral paints. While academic publications often refer to these paints as lazurite, chemical analyses have revealed that the blue color actually originates from copper. This discovery adds another layer of intrigue to the already fascinating history of Armenian dyes.
Pliny’s “Armenium” Paint
At the dawn of the new era, the Roman author Pliny the Elder wrote about a paint called “armenium,” which he described as painting “like chrysocolla.” This reference is believed to pertain to the same copper-based paint derived from the “Armenian stone,” a material that had been used in Mesopotamia since the 3rd millennium BC alongside lapis lazuli. Pliny’s writings underscore the long-standing tradition and widespread recognition of Armenian dyes in the ancient world.
The legacy of Armenian dyes is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Armenian craftsmen. From the cochineal worms of the Ararat Valley to the copper-based paints of Erebuni, these dyes not only colored the fabrics and walls of the past but also painted a vivid picture of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage. As we continue to uncover the secrets of these ancient dyes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that defined Armenia’s historical legacy.
