মৈৰাংফী (Moirangphee)
Moirangphee is the traditional handwoven shawl of the Meitei people of Manipur, woven on a body-tension loin-loom using locally grown cotton (originally) and mulberry silk. The defining feature is a complex supplementary weft patterning system producing geometric motifs of extraordinary precision — lotus flowers, fish scales, elephants, and mythological figures — without any mechanical aid. Each design encodes specific ritual and status meanings within Meitei culture. The weaving tradition is intimately linked to the Lai Haraoba (festival of the gods) and is considered sacred work.
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Not inscribed at international level; recognized under Indian National List of ICH elements
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