Naga Cotton Wrap / Skirt

Rust and indigo stripes, and one edge picked out in tiny beads.

Naga weavers of Nagaland, Northeast India, made this cotton wrap or skirt in the 20th century. Naga textiles are commonly woven on backstrap looms and often signal clan, status and occasion through their stripe patterns. This piece has broad bands of rust red divided by narrow dark lines, around a deep blue center panel. A vertical strip of small white and colored beads runs along one side. The ends carry loose fringe, and the cloth shows soft creases from use.

About sixty-four by thirty-five inches. Handsome on a wall, practical on a chair.