Northwest Frontier Province Shawl

This shawl was made in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan in the mid-20th century, likely in the Hazara region, or perhaps across the border in Afghanistan. The naturally-colored cotton is embroidered with red, black, green, yellow, and purple silk. It is constructed of three long lengths of fabric that were sewn together to create the complete textile, and bordered in black cord.

The curling “ram’s horn” motif decorating the border panels is common throughout Central Asia, and the plants in the center ground of the pattern are similar to designs often used by phulkari embroiderers.