Looms of the valley

One of the most complex and colourful of Indian weaves, the Kani got GI status in 2008. As a symbol of Indian craftsmanship, the Kani shawl finds pride of place in the world’s finest museum—from the V&A in London, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, to the Met in New York. Three decades ago, Kani weaving was on the verge of disappearing. It has now made