The red woolen shawl is significant in Phom Naga culture as an emblem of the traditional values, artistic sensibilities, and identity of this tribe. They mainly inhabit Longleng district in northeastern India, Nagaland. The Phom are recognized for their typical customs, beautiful oral traditions, and exquisite handwoven textile traditions. This shawl is framed predominantly in red wool, which has been dyed in accordance with tradition. Red symbolizes courage, life, and celebration in Phom culture. The body of the shawl is further elaborated with blue and white lines, generally arranged in a combination of horizontal or vertical patterns around the shawl. These lines also present graphic motifs embodying significant meanings to the tribal people: tribal lineage, unity, and continuity.
Both the ends of the shawl have woolen fringe embellishments deftly done by artisans, adding to the glamour of the shawl while at the same time telling of some intricate work of the tribe. The Phom, thus, traditionally use three colors-red, blue, and white-complementary with the concepts of nature and spiritual balance. Men would primarily don the shawl for significant community festivals, cultural rites, and gatherings. They served both practical and symbolic purposes: warming the body and defining who the wearer was and what social status he bore. The shawls were even present at the time of the rites, honored offerings that held their own prestige