This highly skilled art of painting on cloth is practised by many tribes and is extremely popular in Nagaland. Artists belong to the Lotha, Ao and Rengma tribes. The colours used in these paintings are natural colours prepared by mixing the sap of the tree with the ash of leaves and very strong beer resulting in the formation of grey liquid. Fine chiselled bamboo sticks are used as brushes. The artisans paint the motifs in free hand on the lines of thread. Clothes and shawls have distinct paintings and depending on the type worn by the wearer, one can identify his social status, financial position, acts of bravery, the tribe he belongs to and all other relevant details.

 A typical example is the famous white shawl worn by the warriors of the Ao tribe. A warrior who has been the chief of a war or had success in battles is allowed to wear this shawl. In stark contrast to the white background, figures of animals like tiger, elephant etc along with images of human heads and spears are painted in black. The result is a dramatic painting which showcases Naga culture in its glory.