Woman's skirt c. 20th century

This is a woman’s skirt by Tang Khul Naga, made of cotton. The skirt’s design consists of a bold red field bisected by two vertical white stripes, framed by black borders. This garment speaks to the visual codes and cultural references specific to the Naga people, an ethnic group inhabiting Northeast India and Northwest Myanmar. While the precise dating of this skirt is unknown, it is important to recognize that textiles like this one are not simply aesthetic objects, but rather carriers of cultural meaning and social identity. The vibrant colors and geometric patterns may signify clan affiliation, social status, or ritual significance within Naga society. The act of weaving itself could represent a powerful form of cultural expression and resistance against the backdrop of colonialism and globalization. To fully appreciate this skirt, we must consider the social conditions and cultural practices that shaped its creation and use, drawing on a range of historical sources and ethnographic studies.