COSTUMES
India: Manipur
Naga tribe; Mizo people
Chador (shawl or skirt -- man's or woman's)
1960
Plain weave; Supplementary weft patterning; Weft twining
Cotton
71 1/4 x 42 1/2 in. (1.81 x 1.08 m) including fringe
Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection, gift of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel
TC 61.8-34
Keywords: Bands; Geometric pattern; Fringe

Manipur, an area to the far northeast of India, is part of one of the most inaccessible states in India, and populated by several tribes of the Meithei community. To obtain the textile examples exhibited here, Mrs. Willis traveled rough mountainous terrain by jeep, and received rare permits to collect textiles. Originally part of Burma, Manipur has close historical and cultural ties with both Burma and China, which contributes to its distinctive textile design. -- Label copy from Unpacking the Collection, April 13, 1997, to June 12, 1998.