Shawl (chaksi pankep)

This fine hand-woven piece was used by the well-to-do Bhutanese in ceremonial settings. Traditionally, such cloths are used as hand towels by kings. In noble households the cloths can also be used to cover the lap of a monk during religious ceremonies, as a hanging behind his throne, and as a towel.

This type of textile originated in eastern Bhutan. It consists of two panels woven in the double-faced brocade technique. One panel always contains a central diamond motif flanked by horizontal rows of geometric patterns; the diamond is an auspicious symbol. The other panel consists of vertical rows of patterns. The second panel is cut in half, and the halves stitched to the edges of the first panel. The traditional colors are red and blue against a white ground, and the designs are intricate.