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Embroidery of Manipur - Shamilami Embroidery

Shamilami embroidery is an art of weaving patterns and stitching. Popularly Shamilami embroidery is done on various clothing pieces but the highlighted clothes of them all is the border of a lungi, a wrap worn by women on their lower bodies.  

History of Shamilami Embroidery 

The embroidery is called Shamilami because of the animal patterns it uses. In Manipuri Shamilami means “wild animal patterned warrior cloth”. A piece of cloth with Shamilami embroidery was given to warriors by the King to acknowledge and appreciate their brave and heroic qualities. It was an honor to receive this piece of clothing and it held a high status in society. 

Shamilami embroidery is also acknowledged in some parts of Nagaland. It is known as Naga Angami chaddars in Nagaland because they use Shamilami embroidery work on their shawls.




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