Like I mentioned about the variety, you must know that indigos have a wide array of appearances – depending upon the undertones and reflectivity. However, they may exist in certain faces (or variations) that can be differed through tints, tones, and shades! Let’s dig further… Four Faces of Indigo – How Are They All Called the Same Color?Įvery color that exists on this planet is unique! These above-mentioned percentages are what helps in the classification of one such version and what it’s made of as a tertiary color, that’s made by combining other spectral colors.Īdditionally, it’s a cool-toned color mainly, but can also fall on the warmer side in some cases, making things even more confusing. There are some versions that incline more towards the purples, some to the blues, and some to the deeper magenta-reds. Let me tell you, Indigo is one of the most confusing colors out there! Whether it is the undertones or the certain RGB values (for screens and monitors), that describe what the actual color is composed of, here are certain terminologies to look upon! Remember, every category is associated with certain underlying theories and facts that make it equally unique and distinctive on the color wheel. Let’s first discuss the basic specifications of this color category. It’s time to dig in and elaborate on all the aspects related to the ‘indigo’! What Is the True Color of Indigo? A Voice from the Rainbow
On monitors and handheld devices, indigo can be deceiving as it definitely inclines towards bright purples. However, this particular tone can usually be identified through its high saturation and ultra-stark appearances.Įspecially when observed on digital screens.
Oftentimes, this color gets confused with not only violet, but the many versions of itself – the reason being obvious undertones determined by the mixture. On the other hand, to form the hue indigo, the proportions of blue have to be the dominant color over the reds. Thus, there are actually several different types of indigo that we’ll discuss below!įor example, if red and blue primary colors are used in equal amounts – violet will be formed! The amount each contributes to the indigo blend will dictate the exact color formed. We’re going to cover all that and much more.Ī notable example of tertiary colors, indigo is formed by blending portions of red and blue base colors. Want to know what color indigo is in its many personalities and what it truly beholds? Have you ever been attracted to this specific shade? So, taking inspiration from nature’s own forms and hues – Indigo has been beautifully reflecting its existence in the interior design as well as fashion design industry! Highlighting majorly upon the shades of blues and purples, this one stands high amongst the seven colors of a rainbow. During her stay in Ghana, McKinley learned that cloth is valued more than many women's bank accounts and insurances.Indigo is often associated as the purplish-blue colors of the rainbow. Although nowadays, most cloths on the continent are dyed with a much cheaper synthetic color, owning cloth is considered a huge asset. The original American flag was also made from indigo textiles.Īcross the ocean, on the African continent, indigo-dyed cloth helped financially empower many African women. "At the time of the America revolution, the dollar had no strength, and indigo cakes were used as currency," McKinley says. They were trading one length of cloth, in exchange for one human body."Įnslaved Africans carried the knowledge of indigo cultivation to the United States, and in the 1700s, the profits from indigo outpaced those of sugar and cotton. "Indigo was more powerful than the gun," McKinley tells Tell Me More host Michel Martin. While indigo traces its roots to India, the African slave trade made it exceedingly valuable on that continent. She tells her story in her book Indigo: In Search of the Color that Seduced the World. You probably take the blue in your favorite jeans or denim bean bag chair for granted now, but it was once prized by slave traders, spiritual leaders, royalty and rag traders alike.Ī decade ago, Catherine McKinley embarked on a trip through nine West African countries, armed with a fellowship and her fascination for the blue dye. Your purchase helps support NPR programming. Close overlay Buy Featured Book Title Indigo Subtitle In Search of the Color That Seduced the World Author Catherine E.