Carajura

/ˌkærəˈhʊrə/ noun

Definition

A South American tree or plant, possibly the urucum tree, that produces a red dye used for coloring textiles and body decoration.

Etymology

From Tupi, combining elements referring to color or dye-producing properties. The word reflects indigenous knowledge of plants that produce natural pigments.

Kelly Says

Carajura dye was so important to indigenous cultures that it became a currency of sorts—control of dye-producing plants meant control of beauty, status, and trade.

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