The variety of hues obtained with organic dyes is remarkable: yellow, red, purple, tan, as well as light and dark pink. This is related both to the use of different dyestuffs – probably lichen-derived for purple and insect-based for red and pinks – and to different preparation methods, such as the amount of alum or potash added to the dye. The intense purple hue, in particular, seems to have been obtained by layering the purple dye over a base of lead white. Lead white was also found mixed with the dye in the light pink and tan areas. Dark pink areas contain gypsum instead.
