Naga Handloom & Shawl Weaving

Naga shawls are among India's most distinctive textiles. Each tribe — and often each clan or social rank within it — has its own designs, colours and motifs, so a shawl traditionally announced the wearer's identity and achievements. Red, black and white dominate, with motifs of mithun, tigers, spears, hornbills and geometric patterns.

Women weave these textiles on the traditional loin loom (back-strap loom), sitting on the ground with the warp tensioned around their waist and a bar fixed to a post or wall. On a weaving visit, you can watch artisans set up the loom, spin and dye cotton, and weave intricate patterns by hand — a single shawl can take days or weeks. Cooperatives and self-help groups in Kohima, Khonoma and Chizami (Phek district) welcome visitors.

Buying directly from weavers and recognised cooperatives ensures fair income and authenticity. Some shawl designs are ceremonial and worn only by those entitled to them, so ask your host about meanings before buying.