MAYA BLUE

Maya blue pigment is a plant-based pigment used historically for wall cave paintings by the Mayans. The pigment can be used to make many different mediums like paints, watercolours, pulp, paper and wood depending on the binders used.

Maya blue is a unique bight azure pigment famously manufactured by ancient Mesoamericans. Modern-day Maya blue is made by mixing indigo powder with absorbent clay and then heating the mixture to reach the desired shade.

The blue is perhaps the most striking colour used by Maya artists. A colour so extraordinary that it has generated a great deal of research and debate amongst scientists for over 50 years.

What is particularly interesting about Maya blue is that despite long exposure to light and high humidity for centuries it hardly fades.

I have recently made my first batches of Maya blue pigment using my indigo powder and am very happy with the result. It is truly an amazing colour.

 

After some experimentation here’s how I did it.

10g Indigo powder

100g clay

Mix using a muller and when thoroughly mixed transfer to a dedicated pan and heat on a medium to high heat – stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Ater a few minutes the mixture will gradually begin to change to a pale blue and then into a deep blue which will take about 15 minutes.

When the colour reaches the required depth place the hot pan in a bowl of cold water and cool quickly.

The pigment will change to a lovely blue/turquoise shade.

 

Jean Beales

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