Naga Tribal Backstrap-Woven Red and Black Pattern Cushion Cover

Made on a backstrap loom in the Himalayan foothills of Nagaland by women weavers who have practiced this craft since girlhood. The loom has no frame, the weaver's body is the frame. The red and black patterning is not applied after the weaving is complete; it is built into the textile warp thread by warp thread. This is weaving as memory.

The backstrap or loin loom used by weavers in Nagaland is among the oldest weaving technologies still in active use in India. The weaver controls the shed, the opening through which the weft passes, by shifting her body against the tension of the loom, which means the weaving is in physical dialogue with the person making it. The patterned red and black design on this cushion cover is woven in, not applied; the motifs belong to the Naga tribal visual tradition, where each design encodes community identity.

The cover arrives with zipper closure. It is a small, dense textile, pick it up and it will feel heavier than it looks, because the cotton is tightly woven. Put it against a neutral linen sofa or a white wall and it will hold its ground.

Backstrap Loom Woven · Naga Tribal Motif · Nagaland · Pure Cotton

Care Instructions

• Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
• Remove cushion insert before washing.
• Wash separately for first two washes.
• Do not bleach. Line dry or tumble dry low.
• Iron on medium while slightly damp.