Chakhesang Shawls
The Chakhesang shawl is named after the tribe ‘Chakhesang’. Most of the shawls made and used by the Chakhesang tribe are not only attractive in their appearance but also carry certain social significance as the various types of shawls mark important events of the Chakhesang tribe like feasts which invoke peace and reconciliation, blessings passed by parents upon their son, ceremony for paddy yield, etc. One of the types of Chakhesang shawl is multi-coloured and comprises of three pieces, each of which is woven separately and then stitched together. Another type of Chakhesang shawl (later explained in detail) is embellished with several patterns, motifs and colours such as yellow, green, red and white which stand for the credits earned by the person in the society. The motifs seen on the Chakhesang shawls are symbolic of various characteristics of its people such as beauty, prosperity, happiness, contentment, etc. One of these shawls called Rira (later explained in detail) was used as far back as 1984 and was officially endorsed as a Chakhesang shawl in 1986. It still is very popular amongst other modern styles of dressing. The tradition of weaving shawls have been passed down from mother to daughter since time immemorial. These shawls reflect the social history of the Chakhesang people and are held to be of great value by them.
Source: Intellectual Property India