This is the first study of the tradition of weaving among the nomadic Rupshu of eastern Ladakh, India. The Rupshu believe that the craft of weaving came from the gods, a task with a celestial connection, and it is undertaken by both men and women on separate looms. This richly illustrated book begins by exploring the lifestyle of the Rupshu and their relationship with their livestock. It goes on to document and analyse the ways in which fibres, weaving, textiles are constructed. Examples of cloths, capes, tent covers, rugs, and bags are shown. But this book is more than just a study of Rupshu textiles. It relates the place of weaving in the lives of the Rupshu to gender, kinship, hierarchical and spatial relations in their society. With references, bibliography and index.