The Sema tribe or Sumi Naga is popular among die-hard masters of textiles, especially in handwoven shawls and wrappers, in the northeastern part of India, known as Nagaland. The commonest among the traditional outfits is this of the black and red colored material from which has been designed a shawl or wrapper with bold stripes of check pattern on the central field. The attribute to this traditional textile is the identity of Sema culture, reflecting social status, achievement, and heritage
This is the Sema shawl, which is weaved through the traditional looms, generally done by skilled women in the community. Far beyond just aestheticism, the bold stripes and checkered designs on the shawl are deep meanings. Red, for example, is a sign for bravery and life vigor, while black symbolizes strength and resistance. Some varieties of the shawls are only meant for warriors or very important people and are donned during festivals, ceremonies, and other significant events.
A very significant celebration of the Sema tribe that commemorates prosperity and agricultural bounty. These handwoven textiles are the dress for the warrior dance, and the community, signifying the warrior history of the Sema tribe.
Changing with times, the Sema people are still preserving their textiles and weaving their traditional clothes through the government initiatives and cultural organizations. The symbolism in evergreen Nagaland's textile culture, the black and red Sema shawl, continues to remain associated with the rich heritage and craftsmanship of its people.