Henna Dye: Body and Textile Painting

Henna is “the most ancient and celebrated” of dyes. It is made from a mixture of dried henna leaves that have been ground and mixed with water, lemon, and sometimes eucalyptus oil or black tea.[1] Depending on how it is made and how long it is allowed to set, the...

Cited Sources

 http://lallaessaydi.com/6.html http://www.hennaking.com/Henna_King_Henna_Kits.php https://canvas.jmu.edu/courses/1176322/files/44906706/download?wrap=1 http://www.earthhenna.com/Mehndi-Body-Painting-with-Henna-c98.html

Lalla Essaydi Art Education Lesson Plan

While the focus will be on Lalla Essaydi’s images flanking Islamic culture and background, the history of Henna calligraphy art and how it varies within different cultures will be present.  Students will attend the exhibit gaining as much information as possible on...

Lalla Essaydi’s View on Henna

Through her images, Lalla Essaydi reclaims the traditional art form of henna calligraphy through a careful process. Arabic traditions of henna calligraphy tattooing amongst the women are a very essential part of her work.  Essaydi states, “I have been able to express,...

What is henna made of?

Henna is a tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers.  Henna tattooing is derived from the henna plant.  The leaves of the plant contain tannins, a natural dying property which is dried and crushed into a fine...

Cultural History

Henna calligraphy tattooing has a long history within many cultures dating back 5000 years, tracing the beginning steps to ancient Egypt.  In ancient Egypt, a ritual process would take place after a Pharaoh would depart into the afterlife, otherwise known to Egyptians...