The almost sparkling white Loranuchi shawl belongs to the traditional attire of the Angami tribe, an indigenous Naga community of Nagaland, India. The design of this graceful shawl involves placing intricate geometric motifs all over the body with a striking red and black-stripped border reflecting the Angami people's cultural identity.
The Loranuchi is made from hand-spun cotton wool on an artisanal handloom. The geometric designs often reflect natural forms, tribal stories, and social status. For the Angamis, shawls are not simply items of clothing; they are cultural symbols of identity and honor. Certain shawls mark warriors and prominent members of society, worn like a badge of merit and status for their clans.
The Angami weaving tradition has also been interwoven with their way of life, where colors and patterns have particular symbolic meanings within their culture. In the face of rapid modernization, this next generation of weavers continues the craft because of festivals that celebrate culture and the Government's efforts to revive indigenous crafts. The Loranuchi is a monument to the Angami tribe's textile heritage and craftsmanship.