Chapter 4: The Art and Craft of the Mountains: Himachal Pradesh
4.0 Introduction The hills of Himachal Pradesh are alive with creativity—woven into every shawl, carved into every doorway, painted on monastery walls, and molded from clay and metal. Himachali art and craft are not mere aesthetics; they are expressions of daily life, spirituality, and an inherited wisdom passed down through generations. Every region, tribe, and village has contributed its own signature to this vibrant cultural canvas, creating a rich repository of indigenous craftsmanship. 4.1 Weaving Stories: Textiles and Handlooms Perhaps no other craft defines Himachal as intimately as its handloom weaving , especially the renowned woolen shawls and pattus . Kullu Shawls : Known for their vibrant geometric patterns and borders, these shawls are often woven on traditional pit looms. Made from sheep wool or angora, they are both functional and symbolic—used in ceremonies, gifted in marriages, and worn with pride. Kinnauri Shawls : Distinguished by their fin...