Naga Cotton Blanket, India

Cowries traced in white zigzags down a black field.

Naga weavers of Nagaland, Northeast India, made this blanket in cotton, cowrie and shell in the 20th century. Naga cloths are commonly worn as shawls or wraps, with colors and motifs often tied to community and standing. A dark center panel carries a column of diamonds and a single X outlined in white shells, while zigzag lines run down both sides. Stripes of burgundy and dark blue frame the field, and short fringe finishes the ends.

About 63 by 36 inches. Throw it over a sofa arm, or hang it and let it win the wall.