Naga Cotton Blanket, India

Deep wine red stripes march across this cloth, interrupted only by neat little embroidered islands.

This woven cotton blanket is Naga, from Nagaland, Northeast India, and dates to the 20th century. Cotton blankets of this kind are usually woven on a backstrap loom in narrow panels, which are then joined to make a larger cloth. Rectangular woven cloth in dark crimson with fine horizontal lines. Rows of small geometric motifs in gold, black and cream run across it in regular bands. Short fringe edges the two ends, and the weave looks soft and flexible. It is 43 inches wide and 63 long.

Orderly, rhythmic, and very good at staying in line.