Sari fabric is highly structured with a sophisticated vocabulary. The
fabric is divided into three areas: the longitudinal borders, the end
piece and the field. Traditionally, each area communicated a woman's
social and family status, as well as her regional identity, because certain
colors and motifs were region and community-specific. Its size and
elaboration was also an indication of her family's wealth since added
ornamentation takes more weaving time, adding to the sari's cost.
Borders usually extend the full (longitudinal) length of the sari. They
may be either woven, printed, or embroidered. The end piece, or pallu,
is the area of the sari that is draped over the shoulder and left to hang over
the back or front. The degree of embellishment in this area traditionally
depends on how the sari is draped, as well as the occasion used. The
sari's field is also embellished according to regional rules, and in many parts
of
