[Steppes] Horse Blood Used For Dye?

[AlKudsi@aol.com]

I replied privately, but felt with the continued discussion to put in my two 
cents worth publically.  I've now gone through five of my fiber arts books 
that cover dying, and find absolutely *NO* mention of the use of blood for a dye 
(from any creature).  The mollusk source is the only one mentioned for a true 
purple, although some berries can give you a reddish-purple (such as certain 
varietals of grapes -- hence the nasty wine stains).  Having helped deliver a 
colt once (when much younger), which is a bloody and messy occasion, I've seen 
dried horse blood, which is the same color as any other mammal blood when dry 
-- reddish brown.  It leaves a nasty brown stain if it sets without any 
mordants.  If used in conjunction with a mordant, maybe it could produce more of a 
purplish color, but I doubt it.

Horse urine was used as a mordant, as was human urine, but no mention of 
blood as a dye.  Wonder if this is one of those apocryphal stories that are 
assumed true because they are mentioned on the internet?

The people I'd like to see response would be HL Suzanna or Lady Gerita, since 
as an herbalist and fiber artist respectively, they might have additional 
insights.  Ladies??

HL Saqra