Himachali Shawl Weaving

The chill of autumn and the cold of winter have compelled the warm people of Himachal to create a living art in their own image, warm, soft and colourful. The Kulvi designs and motifs woven today have originally been derived from intricate Kinnauri designs that have been enlarged enormously and simplified with the passage of time. The patterns on woolens are usually geometrical, with the color palette ranging from blue, saffron, to purples and greens. The shawls are made with simple twill weave with colorful inlay pattern set using hand manipulations with coloured woolen yarns. Sitting on the large loom, passing the bobbin wrapped with woollen yarns through the skeins of warp and working in the precise detail of the geometrical motif. The skill lies in applying even pressure to the loom, to ensure that the weave is uniform. You could try your hands at this fine craft on our traditional wooden handloom stationed in the adobe structure built in the local Kangri style for a truly authentic experience.