Ruanas

 

On a back-strap loom wrapped around a woman's hips is born this garment of brightness.  From Chiapas, Mexico, where women carrying on an ancient weaving tradition take on new modern sensibilities.  

In Madagascar, women are harvesting wild silk from their native Tabia trees and hand-spinning, dyeing, and weaving it into gorgeous knubby ruannas.  Which is a kind of poncho, only open down the front.  Suitable for all sizes, but only for the brave of heart.