Indian Wool Patoo or Shawl

Black wool, red edges, and a band of diamonds like a signal fire.

This patoo, or shawl, comes from the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, and was woven in wool in the 20th century. Kullu shawls are commonly worn wrapped around the body, with woven end panels in geometric patterns. The center is a deep black ground, bordered in bright red, and each end carries bands of diamonds and zigzags in pink, yellow, orange and white. Black fringe trims the short ends. The weave is dense and even.

About eighty-three inches long and forty-two wide. Drape it, hang it, or wear it. It will win each argument.