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Indigo Stripes
Striped Block-Printed Cotton Shawl in Indigo from India
Indigo Stripes, Striped Block-Printed Cotton Shawl in Indigo from India
Aftab
In indigo and snow white, stripes and square motifs decorate this luxurious shawl from India. Aftab designs and crafts this artisanal cotton shawl, which is decorated using the block-printing method.... read more$23.99$21.59Artist: Aftab
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Peruvian Chalina
100% Alpaca Earth-Tone Striped Chalina Shawl from Peru
Peruvian Chalina, 100% Alpaca Earth-Tone Striped Chalina Shawl from Peru
Stefano Basso
Chalina is the Latin American word for the long rectangular shawls that are traditional in various countries. They are useful as a second layer of warmth over a sweater or coat, as well as a little... read more$99.99$89.99Artist: Stefano Basso
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Huayhuash Sunset
100% Alpaca Wool Shawl Scarf in Earth Tones from Peru
Huayhuash Sunset, 100% Alpaca Wool Shawl Scarf in Earth Tones from Peru
Ulloa Family
Named after one of the most famous mountains of Peru, this 100% alpaca wool rectangular shawl will keep you both warm and comfortable this winter. Such shawls are traditionally for women, but the... read more$119.99$107.99Artist: Ulloa Family
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Reds and Grays
Red and Gray Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Striped Scarf
Reds and Grays, Red and Gray Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Striped Scarf
Raquel and Gregor
This splendid scarf made with a baby alpaca blend will be a wonderful addition to your closet in the wintertime as it is a very versatile accessory to complement your looks. Designers Raquel and... read more$94.99Artist: Raquel and Gregor
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Green Infinity
Green Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Striped Scarf from Peru
Green Infinity, Green Baby Alpaca Blend Hand-woven Striped Scarf from Peru
Raquel and Gregor
Winter fashion arrives with a wide variety of accessories that will add color to your cold days, like this soft scarf designed by Peruvian artisans Raquel and Gregor. The striped scarf is handwoven... read more$54.99$49.49Artist: Raquel and Gregor
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Rainbow in the Sky
100% Alpaca Hand-woven Multicolored Striped Scarf
Rainbow in the Sky, 100% Alpaca Hand-woven Multicolored Striped Scarf
Ulloa Family
The many cultures and peoples of Peru are represented in the color palette of this fabulous unisex scarf made with 100% alpaca. The Ulloa family of artisans design and hand-weave the scarf on... read more$57.99Artist: Ulloa Family
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Eucalyptus Forest
Multicolored Striped Scarf Hand-woven with 100% Alpaca
Eucalyptus Forest, Multicolored Striped Scarf Hand-woven with 100% Alpaca
Ulloa Family
A delicate alpaca scarf hand-woven on traditional looms is an accessory perfect for winter and for both men and women. The Ulloa family from Peru designs this soft scarf in enchanting shades of... read more$57.99Artist: Ulloa Family
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River's Edge
Men's Olive Green and Ochre Handwoven Cotton Fringed Shawl
River's Edge, Men's Olive Green and Ochre Handwoven Cotton Fringed Shawl
Made Arsana
Made Arsana of Bali weaves a light and airy cotton shawl for men with a sophisticated, neutral color palette. Threads in light olive green and ochre form the background, with delicate stripes created... read more$54.99$49.49Artist: Made Arsana
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Royalty of Africa
Multicolored Rayon and Cotton Blend Kente Shawl from Ghana
Royalty of Africa, Multicolored Rayon and Cotton Blend Kente Shawl from Ghana
Akoma of West Africa
Exuding a regal vibe, this traditional shawl is created by the talented artisans of Ghana's Akoma of West Africa. A variety of vibrant colors combine to create striped patterns, woven by hand from a... read more$177.99$160.19Artist: Akoma of West Africa
Shawls for Men
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.