How do I care for my shawl?

Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.

The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.

What shawls are most comfortable?

Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.

Are your shawls handmade?

It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.

Are there any common motifs or designs used in traditional shawls?

The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.

What materials are used to make shawls?

Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.

What are the most popular methods for making traditional shawls?

Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.

Balinese Accessories at NOVICA

New Arrival

Nocturnal Garden, Batik Floral and Leaf-Themed Silk Fan with Pinewood Handle

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Royal Art, Blue Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

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Lucky Green, Artisan-Made Forest Green 100% Cotton Bucket Hat from Bali

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Euphoria, Handcrafted Floral Silk Wrap Shawl

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Java Starlight, Fair Trade Batik Silk Patterned Blue Shawl

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Bird of Paradise, Batik Silk Shawl from Indonesia

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Blue Jasmine, Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

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Lengko Scarlet, Hand Crafted Red Batik Silk Shawl and Gift Box

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Golden Vines, Silk Batik Fan From Indonesia

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Tamarind Leaves, Women's Silk Batik Fan from Indonesia

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Deep Blue Blossom, Batik Silk Fan from Indonesia

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Rama Sita, Silk and Wood Fan with Hindu Motifs in Wheat and Crimson

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Favorite Memories, Silk batik shawl

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Aster Blue, Unique Silk Batik Fan with Floral Print

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Badung Blooms, 100% Silk Batik Scarf in Grey and Blue Floral

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World Views, Indonesian Batik Silk Shawl

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Golden Rings, Indonesian Batik Silk Patterned Fan

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Black Bali Glory, Silk batik fan

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Golden Paradise, Handmade Silk Batik Scarf with Floral Motifs from Bali

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Golden Rings, Batik Silk Patterned Scarf

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Sky Blue Blossom, Batik Silk Scarf from Indonesia

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Butterfly Blossoms, Silk batik shawl

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Blushing Eden, Blush and Grey Floral Batik Silk Scarf Boxed Gift Set

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Aster Orange, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl in Orange and Black

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Red Fern, Indonesian Silk Patterned Fan

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Frangipani Floral, Silk batik shawl

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Sepia Denpasar, Balinese Ikat-Themed 100% Cotton Bucket Hat in Sepia Hues

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Mystic Tundra, Lavender Floral Silk Scarf with Fringe and Wood Gift Box

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Blooming Chrysanthemums, Handcrafted Silk Fan in Blue and Black Batik Design

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Scarlet Lily, Hand Made Indonesian Silk Shawl

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Golden Lotus Floral, Silk batik shawl

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Floral Stars, Handcrafted Batik Silk Patterned Shawl

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Ceplok Beteng, Red and Gold Metallic Hand Stamped Batik Silk Shawl

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Red Modern Art, Handmade Silk Batik Shawl

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Jade Princess, Batik Silk Patterned Scarf

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There are 309 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Silk batik scarf, 'Jade Princess'

Ninoczka

Nov 16, 2018

Body and soul

Simply elegant! The perfect gift. An addition to everything. Delicate silk with lovely colors. Good taste & touche. I heartily recommend.

Embroidered cotton face masks, 'Quiet Floral Trio' (set of 3)

Jeanie

Jul 13, 2020

Excellent workmanship

Quiet Floral masks are beautifully made. I almost gave fewer stars because they are too small. The elastic around the ears is too short, which causes the ears to stick out from too much tension. This also makes the mask too tight against the end of my nose and is uncomfortable. I’m trying to stretch the elastics, hoping to relax the tension so I can wear them. If that doesn’t work, I’ll try to alter them somehow. They are too pretty to return.

Elegant

Vibrant Colors Will Describe This Work

Embroidered Accessories

Silk batik shawl, 'Scarlet Lily'

Suzanne

May 12, 2017

Scarlet Silk Shawl is a Showstopper

Shawl arrived meticulously packaged. It is simply gorgeous. Fabric design and dye is really a work of art. So pleased to have made the purchase and am looking forward to wearing it. Timeless piece.

Patterned Accessories