This craft has been a part of the valley since the time of Mughals. The shawls are woven from pashmina yarn.The government of Jammu and Kashmir has granted a geographical indication to the Kani shawl, making it illegal to sell shawls made outside of the Kanihama area as Kani shawls.
Kani Shawls are made from pashmina on a handloom. Instead of a shuttle used in regular pashmina shawls, Kani Shawls use needles made from caneor wood.The kanis, or small wooden sticks, are used to create the intricate designs of the shawl. Each kani represents one knot in the weave, and the weaver must follow a graph paper design closely to ensure that the design is accurately replicated.
Only trained craftsmen are knowledgeable enough to weave Kani Shawls properly. The techniques and knowledge have been transferred from forefathers to next generations. It is estimated that of the 10,000-odd kani weavers, only 2,000 are left today.. An artisan skilled in carpet weaving can easily make a Kani shawl because both crafts involve using color coding, known as "Talim," to guide the weaving process. While there are some differences in techniques and tools, the fundamental principle of following the color-coded Talim remains the same. However, Kani shawl making is a specialized art form with unique intricacies and challenges, and skilled artisans in this craft produce the most exquisite and authentic Kani shawls, preserving its traditional heritage.
