This design is inspired by two traditional Menie Cheli or wraparound skirt designs: the Lopane, worn by elderly Chakhesang Naga women; and the Keprimenie. This textile showcases the complex decorative embroidery stitches used to seam strip-woven panels, woven by skilled indigenous women of the Chakhesang tribe in a remote Naga village in the mountains of Northeast India, on back strap looms.. 

This design is a contemporary interpretation co-designed and woven by Leshemi Origins for ARTISANS' Gallery. 

The Lopane is worn by elderly women while the Keprimenie is popular among all ages of Chakhesang women. Naga tribal textiles represent the gender, identity and role of the wearer, together with their stature in the community. Women wear specific wraparound skirt-and-shawl sets for ceremonial occasions. For example, the Keprimenie is worn on auspicious occasions like weddings. This wall hanging/ throw combines decorative seam stitches that are found in the Lopane and Keprimenie. This includes the red and black braided seam stitch called Khaphie meaning 'enclosing', and the triangular arrow motif, called Lapusü.

The use of nettle as an accent material and colour is an original design innovation. This is a particularly significant design innovation, as nettle is scarce and valuable.

Maker: Keku-ü Lasushe

Size: 120 cm X 170 cm

Fabric: Unbleached cotton, with hand spun stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica) and chemically dyed cotton details

These items are made to order.

Available to dispatch in 65 days