The textile shawl is a glistening cultural object of the Tangkhul tribes, one among the indigenous Naga societies dwelling in India's Ukhrul district of Manipur. Hand-woven, the bright-red with strips of black almost always has a meaning of power, unity, and identity. Such a shoulder shawl is a considerable portion of the Tangkhul's traditional dress for the festivals and ceremonials of important events in the social life.
Among the Tangkhul people, weaving is one of the most sacred crafts with which womenfolk could be associated to facilitate this stuff from generation to generation. The exquisite shawl is woven from traditional looms, producing exceptionally good fabric with each fibre being intricately enhanced. Two colours-red and black-in the design are symbolic-red reflects courage and liveliness; black is the strength and heritage. These colours also resonate across the stretches of history and the warrior lineage built by the tribe.
Aside from daily usages, Tangkhul textile shawl also connotes multiple other cultural and social aspects. It is presented in marriages for blessings and goodwill. Elders and dignitaries wear it for respect and honour. It is now gaining much attention and popularity as trendy apparel being combined with contemporary patterns woven with indigenous techniques because of growing interest in indigenous textile products.
This woven red and black striped shawl will remain a proud symbol of Tangkhul craftsmanship, history, culture, and identity as efforts continue to conserve the extremely rich textile heritage of the Tangkhul tribe.