Indigo is the world's oldest, most magical and best loved dye.
 

Used in textiles, rituals and medicinal applications throughtout the worls, it's history dates back to ancient civilisations. Indigo was a luxury and had great trading value.
 
Hand dyed Indigo cotton is used in many Ulos. Most significant is the Sibolang, Bintang Maratur and Tuho.
 
The process of extracting Indigo from plants is complicated. Plants are collected at the flowering stage and immersed in water. Fermentation turns the liquid deep blue.
 

The sediment is heated, strained and cut into blocks for drying. The water insoluble nature of indigo make it a challenging dye to work with. Today natural indigo is in demand from the textile, fashion and cosmetics industry. Current production cannot meet the demand.

The Batak weavers have preserved their knowlege and skills with Indigo, Ulos woven with Indigo is treasured and adored.