Weaving is one of the most colourful and dynamic traditions of the Nagas. Its finest renditions are in the beautiful hand woven shawls of the various tribes.

Naga shawls are not a mere wrap against the cold- they are highly symbolic. Each tribe has its own special patterns and motifs and even certain ceremonies are indicated in the weaving of these beautiful wraps. The weave and patternisation of a shawl identify tribes and also indicate the social status of a man.

Among the Angami tribals, the most common pattern in these social shawls is Lohe, red and yellow bands on black cloth. The Lothas tribal's shawls are woven into a graded pattern- a series of shawls indicating the gennas he has performed. A Naga who has performed the stone dragging ceremony wears the Lungpensu - five stripes of light blue on dark blue cloth. The Ao warrior shawl is embellished with the deeply symbolic mithun, tiger or elephant motif.

Popular Shopping Outlets

The sales emporium of Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation in Kohima has woollen shawls, mekhlas (sarongs) and other Naga handicrafts, made of wood and bamboo at which they are experts. Check out Gurtell boutique for traditional and contemporary fabrics and designs. The market outside the Supermarket is a delightful place where village women in tribal costumes sell products ranging from farm produce to trinkets.