“Making It For Our Country”: An Ethnography of Mud-Dyeing on Amami Ōshima Island

Traditional craft industries, particularly mud-dyeing (dorozome) used in producing Amamian kimono cloth Oshima tsumugi on Amami Ōshima Island, Japan, demonstrate that innovation is intrinsic to their evolution rather than a deviation from tradition. This ethnographic study reveals how craftspeople navigate internal resistance and external preservation pressures while adapting to shifting consumer demands. Through the case of Kanai Kougei dyeing company, it shows how embracing diversity and innovation can counter economic challenges, highlighting the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and market needs. The research underscores that such practices, rooted in local textile traditions, hold potential for sustainable economic and social development while meeting global demand for eco-friendly products.

Linton, C. (2019). “Making It For Our Country”: An Ethnography of Mud-Dyeing on Amami Ōshima Island. Textile, 18(3), 250–277. https://doi.org/10.1080/14759756.2019.1690837