Traditional Oaxaca Shawl #2

This particular shawl is of very fine black ikat on white threads. It is all cotton and extremely finely woven. It was purchased new and never used, so it still has a somewhat stiff feel (I believe the weavers must add a little starch as part of the finishing process). With use, it will become very supple and luxurious. The maximum center width is 25 inches, and the length is 64 inches not including the very intricately braided warp fringe. As the fringe is finished, the warp threads are pulled closer together, so that the width is narrower at the two ends. This effect can be seen in the photos that follow.