Potential plant as a natural dyes in Toba Lake, North Sumatra

Abstract

Ulos is a woven fabric widely used by Batak tribe in North Sumatra., which is a source of warmth both and physically. In ancient times to complete the work of ulos woven fabrics, craftsmen use yarn with natural dye whose source comes from plant, shrubs and other ingredients. Natural dyes are very important in the textile industry, especially the more pro-environment and prevent skin allergies for the consumer. Natural dyes are non-toxic, easy decompose, environmentally friendly, renewable. The rise of ulos fabric manufacturers with chemical dyes in some areas around Lake Toba, North Sumatra, has increasingly marginalized the original ulos craftsmen, who still maintain natural dyes. The research was conducted by inventory at selected locations, interview and detection of natural plant dyes. The purpose of this research is to obtain new information, data related to natural dyes, and the addition of information other ingredients which potential as a natural dye especially of ulos in Toba lake area, North Sumatra. Based on the observation results in several locations in Toba lake area, has been found 18 plants species and four other ingredients that have the potential as natural dyes of ulos.