The Tai Dam or Tai people originated from Northwest Vietnam in an area so beautiful it’s called Muang Then, the Land of God. The Tai have cultivated indigo in these beautiful valleys for centuries. 

Indigo, a magical dark blue dye from the tropical species of the genus Indigofera has been quite the rage for thousands of years. Made by soaking the leaves of the plant and then fermenting, this natural blue hue is still just as popular today as it was in the middle ages.  One Mr. Burkhill wrote in 1935 'There is no dye in the world of wider consumption and none more permanent.” The history of indigo most likely began in India, after which this prized plant was carried east to SE Asia and China. A highly coveted commodity in the middle ages (and today if Pinterest is any indicator!), Blue Gold as it was known, was brought west after Vasca de Gama discovered a sea route to India in the 15th century.