Traditional Khyang shoulder bags from Mizoram represent their mundane craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities. This small hand-woven white bag features horizontal brown stripes, emphasizing its distinct tribal identity. The outer edges are neatly lined in contrast through the blue thread stitching, which enhances both beauty and strength.
Five functional pockets on the lower side of the bag, which serve a utilitarian purpose, reflect the ingenious design ideas of the tribe with regard to textile usage. Such bags are usually for carrying essentials, somewhat like slung across the shoulder for daily errands or travel through the hilly terrains of Mizoram. The Khyang tribe is a little-known but culturally rich community of Northeast India and practices a minimalist lifestyle infused with meaning. This object therefore transcends sheer functionality into the realms of expression: through custom, identity, and adaptation to the environment.