Naga Brass Blanket, India

Burgundy borders, a central panel of figures, and brass keeping time at the edges.

Naga weavers of Nagaland, Northeast India, made this cotton blanket with brass elements in the early 20th century. Cloths of this kind are often associated with status among Naga communities, and brass is commonly used as ornament on prized textiles. The ends are red-brown and densely striped, while the center carries a pale band of stylized figures in rust, black and cream. Long dark fringe runs along both sides, and the ground has mellowed to a soft, worn red.

About 68 by 46 inches. Large enough to anchor a wall, and it knows it.