India, Leshemi Origins | ARTISANS' Sustainable Development Foundation, Striped Ceremonial Nettle Shawl/Throw/Wall Hanging

Product name: Striped Ceremonial Nettle Shawl/Throw/Wall Hanging

Type of product: Shawl/Throw/Wall Hanging

Description: 

This design is based on the traditional Dzunhumenie, worn by Chakhesang Naga women. The use of nettle as an accent material is particularly significant, as it is a scarce and valuable resource. Nettle shawls are increasingly rare, and new ones are reserved for ceremonial occasions.

The cloth is woven by skilled indigenous women of the Chakhesang tribe in the mountains of Northeast India, on back strap looms. 

Stinging nettle is foraged from the wild once a year, in early winter. In a long and laborious process, strips of nettle fibre (stripped off the stalks), are retted, dried, thigh-reeled into twine, and hand-spun using a drop spindle. The yarn is then soaked in a coarse local rice broth, which naturally bleaches and softens the fibre. 

This fibre-to-fabric journey is entirely local and self-sustaining (although the cotton yarn, once local, is now sourced).

This contemporary shawl is co-designed and woven by indigenous women of the Chakhesang tribe in Nagaland, Northeast India, exclusively for ARTISANS’ Gallery. 

Care instructions: Dry clean or hand wash in cold water

Materials: Cotton and hand spun stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica) stripes

Measurements / size: 114 cm X 178 cm 

Availability / stock level: On Order (Dispatch time 70 days)