Natural pigments have been fundamental to human artistic expression since prehistoric times. Early civilizations extracted colors from various natural sources:
- Ochre from iron-rich earth
- Indigo from plants
- Tyrian purple from sea snails
- Carmine red from insects
These natural pigments influenced both the available color palette and the cultural significance of certain colors. Even today, many designers and artists draw inspiration from nature’s color schemes, using combinations found in flowers, landscapes, and animals. The limited availability of certain natural pigments historically made some colors, like purple, symbols of wealth and power.