Shawl/ Blanket/ Wool

Nagaland, a hill state in northeastern India bordering Myanmar, and home to 16 major tribes belonging to the indo mongoloid ethnic group, has a rich tradition of hand-woven shawls.

Tribal shawls with exotic designs and motifs are the products of five hill districts of the State. Fabrics and Shawls of Manipur are in great demand in the national and international market.

Kashmiri shawls are noted for the extreme fineness of the cream coloured goats wool known as Pashmina and for the intricate embroidery work. Pashmina is unmistakable for its softness. Pashmina yarn is spun from the hair of the ibex found at 14,000 ft above the sea level, although pure Pashmina is expensive, the cost is sometimes brought down by blending it with Rabbit fur or with wool.

Blankets and bags are made from the wool of the 'Giangi' sheep and usually come in natural colors with borders made in red and black. The blankets are called 'Gudma' and are woven especially in the Kullu valley as this place has a special kind of clay that is used to clean and finish a 'Gudma'. Gudma is a very warm blanket and can be used in lace of quilt. A special type of wool called 'Biang wool' having long fibres is used for its manufacture.