The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market has established itself as a vital road to prosperity for master folk artists and as an international meeting place for the artists and shoppers. The enthusiasm of the crowd is uplifting to the artists.
“To me, the market is incredible” said Gasali Adeyemo, a frequent vendor and respected fiber art artist from Nigeria.
Adeyemo has been invited by staff to attend the market just about every year since 2005. This year’s market, which ran July 13–15, has left him feeling exhilarated.
Adeyemo specializes in indigo dye and uses the traditional designs and techniques of Yoruba batik, adire, and tie-dye. The indigo dye delivers visual contrast among shades of blue—deep, rich, and vibrant.
Each design has a specific meaning or identity and is highly labor-intensive.
“The design can become like a passport so that when you travel you can show your village of origin,” Adeyemo explains on the market website.
The origins of indigo use date back to the 4th century B.C. in East India and Southern Africa.
The indigo dye comes from the plant Indigofera arrecta. In history, it’s been used as an indication of royalty, English nobility, and status—commoners were forbidden to use it.
Indigo has always been very important in Adeyemo’s culture and to the Yoruba people as well.
