Sumac

Iberia
11th Century
Source: Miranda, A., Cardoso, I. P. (2025). Beyond art technical sources: understanding colour production in Andalusi texts. Conservar Patrim%nio, 49, 111-120.
Recipe Details

Ingredients

sumac leaf juice, sumac resin, sumac thin bark

Preparation Steps

Sumac leaf juice is described as having benefits similar to acacia. Leathers are tanned using its leaves and thin bark. Dyers utilize it specifically to dye textiles red (p. 117).

Original Recipe Text

Sumac leaf juice is described as having benefits similar to acacia. Leathers are tanned using its leaves and thin bark. Dyers utilize it specifically to dye textiles red (p. 117).

Evidence

"Dyers use it to dye clothes red […]. It abounds in C%rdoba and Ja%n."

Remarks

Described by Abũ l-Ḧayr al-Išbħlħ. While the Syrian variety is noted for a more intense red, the Andalusian variety is a plant similar to Alexandrian laurel. Its wood is weak, purple-hued, hollow, and very astringent (p. 117).

Scientific Analysis
Analytical Techniques
Textual analysis
Certainty Level
Inferred
Instrumentally Verified
Not Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorRed
RegionIberia
Approx. Year1050
Source Information
AuthorMiranda, A., Cardoso, I. P.
CollectionC%rdoba and Ja%n
Language
N/A
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