Is Pashmina a Kashmiri goat?

Pashmina is neither a Kashmiri Goat nor any other type of Goat. Pashmina is an indigenous craft of Kashmir. It is the crafting of the finest wool procured from a goat called Changra Goats. These goats are also called Cashmere Goats. That's why there arises confusion among the people about the terms Pashmina and Cashmere. Therefore, the aroma of Kashmir is brought herein to witness the rich culture through the craft of Pashmina. Let's make a journey towards the decade of the origin of Art.

There are numerous breeds of Cashmere-producing goats all over the world. Mongolia, China, Tibet, India and Iran are among the countries that produce Cashmere wool. But, the finest of all is procured from Changra Goats of Ladakh in India. The fineness is up to the mark of quality. The wool is 12 to 16 microns in diameter.

Journey of Pashmina Craft

It all started when a Persian saint was travelling across the globe. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was a sage from the Middle East. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. He rested his feet in the region of Changhthanghi Ladakh. Thus, the saint landed its appearance in the Changhthangi Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvellous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley.

Perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles. Also, even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

Procuring wool from a Goat

The Changhthanghi plateau extends into the region of Ladakh. It is a high-altitude region in Ladakh. The herders around the Ladakhi Changhthanghi are of the Changpa tribe. The tribe herds the rarest breed of Goats called Changra goats. At high altitudes, the temperature lowers to the minimum. The winters are the harshest in this region of Changhthanghi. Therefore, the Changra goats naturally cover their bodies with thick wool to combat the harsh winters. All along the winters, the thick wool reserves the heat beneath their bodies giving them the warmth of nature.

Thereby, on the seasonal climate change, the goats naturally shed off the wool with the help of coarse rocks and trees. To overcome the heat of summer, they eventually shed off the thick wool mostly from their bellies, neck region, and behind the ears. In addition, the herders also comb out the wool manually. The soft wool is Cashmere wool.

Pashmina Craft begins now!

After combing out the Cashmere wool, it is cleaned from the excess dust and filled into the packets to transfer to the valley of Kashmir. The Cashmere wool is sorted and undergoes several procedures in the valley itself. The cleaning, drying, and soaking make the Cashmere wool vividly clean. Afterwards, it is translated to the finest fibres by the process of spinning. Also, the yarn of fineness is transferred to the handlooms in the valley to weave the yarn into several styles of accessories. Thus, the whole process of spinning and weaving the finest Cashmere is called the Art of Pashmina.

The meticulous weaving of Cashmere yarn gives the premium quality accessories like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls. Therefore, the creation of the finest Cashmere fibre distinctly defines styles like Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls is the Art of Pashmina altogether. The substantial virtue of each process in the Craft of Pashmina belongs to luxurious fashion. Thus, the world around admired the aura of every masterpiece of Cashmere in the Art of Pashmina.

Also read: HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A PASHMINA SHAWL?

Pashmina is a craft!

Pashmina is the craft of the heritage of Kashmir Valley. The wool crafted under the handicraft of Pashmina is procured from Changra Goats or Changhthanghi Goats. They are also called Cashmere Goats. Belonging beyond the definition of Art, Pashmina is the beauty of heritage.

We, at pashmina.com ethically craft the beauty of the finest Cashmere in the realm of Kashmir to define Pashmina Art. Therefore, the collection of Pashmina Art in our space is versatile as well as rich in quality. Thus, authenticity and Sustainability are our concepts of glory and luxury.

Also read: WHAT IS A PASHMINA AND SILK?