Indian Wool Patoo or Shawl

Cream wool, with stripes of stepped diamonds in red, orange and teal.

Weavers of the Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, made this patoo, or shawl, in wool in the 20th century. Kullu shawls are commonly worn as wraps and as part of festive dress, and are known for their geometric borders. A natural cream ground carries wide bands of zigzags, diamonds and chevrons in red, pink, orange, blue and black. Small stepped motifs are scattered across the field in rows. White fringe edges the end, and the wool looks soft.

About 108 inches long by 42 inches wide. Throw it over a sofa, or hang it and call it art.