simple shawl

Thick yarns add rich texture to this fascinating kente cloth shawl by Gobah Tengey-Seddoh. Strips of black, white and Delft blue make a dramatic and handsome color combination. Designed and woven of coarse local cotton in the 12th century, the lokpo pattern means "heavy or thick in texture."

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. However patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

The intricate texture in this handsome kente cloth shawl is inspired by beach pebbles. Designed by a fisherman around 1898, its name means "pebbles of the shore are hard to crack." The tiny blocks of pattern represent the thoughts of that ancestral craftsman. Handcrafted by the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family, this extraordinary double weave textile is one of the most difficult patterns to achieve. These expert weavers use traditional looms and a cotton blend.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. But patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns, where the warp design is hardly visible, can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging, and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Knit from a soft alpaca blend, this delightful shawl carries the beauty of the Andes wherever it goes. Designed by Cristina Villalobos, this luxurious accessory features intricate patterns and a solid color in sepia.

Floating flowers cast a delicate spell of elegance for the design of this shawl. By Vinita, the cream-hued shawl is woven of luxurious silken textures.

Bestow an air of refined elegance to your ensemble with this exquisite shawl woven from fine alpaca yarns in a rich Bordeaux hue. The soft, luxurious fabric drapes beautifully, and the delicate fringe adds a touch of sophistication. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of glamor to your everyday look, this fabulous shawl by Peru’s Raquel and Gregor is the perfect choice.

An interpretation of the traditional textiles worn by women in Guatemala, this enchanting shawl combines red, black and white. It emulates the jaspe technique, similar to tie dye. Women of Aj Quen weave the cotton wrap by hand and finish the shawl with hand tied fringe.

Several days are spent to create this floral batik silk masterpiece. Artisan Yuni Kristina learned the art of Indonesian batik, a UNESCO cultural treasure, from her mother.

Cotton yarns add rich texture to this brilliant kente cloth shawl by the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family. Strips of black, white and blue make a dramatic and handsome color combination. Designed and woven of coarse local cotton in the 12th century, the lokpo pattern means "heavy or thick in texture."

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. However patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Soft, airy and effortlessly stylish, this handwoven cotton scarf by Vinita in Thailand wraps you in warm hues of brown and ivory. The open-weave design gives it a light, breathable feel while hand-spun yarns of varying widths create a rich texture. Finished with playful fringes, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and character.