what is a shawl

A shawl is a simple item of clothing, usually a rectangular, triangular, or square piece of fabric, worn loosely over the shoulders, upper body, and arms, and sometimes over the head. It is used for decorative, religious, or warmth purposes and can be made from various materials such as wool, silk, cashmere, or synthetic fibers. Shawls are associated with various cultures, including the northern Indian subcontinent, and have been a part of fashion and tradition for centuries