The soft and warm Pashmina shawls have been valued items of comfort for as long as one can remember. The actual production of these shawls involves the wool which comes from a certain animal that naturally lives in one of the harshest environments in the world.
The Source of Pashmina Wool
A Pashmina wool shawl speaks volume of luxury and it is produced from the under hair of the Pashmina goat commonly known as the Changthangi goat. This goat is indigenous to the Ladakh region in the Himalayas whose temperatures can drop to sub-zero levels. Changthangi goats have therefore adapted to these conditions by having a double layer coat. The outer shell is quite rough and serves to shield the owner from rain and wind, the inner shell is soft and fluffy and serves to insulate against the cold.
The Procedure of Pashmina Wool Collection
The process of pashmina wool shawl begins when the goats shed their winter coat in the spring naturally. The soft undercoat is then gotten through combing the goats and this does not in any way cause the animals any form of discomfort. This type of wool is known as Pashm wool and this wool is very fine and soft having the fibre diameter between 12-15 micrometres which makes it one of the finest wool.
This is followed by the cleaning of the raw Pashmina wool so that it does not contain any form of dirt or any other substance on it. The wool is then washed and then spun by hand to make yarn the conventional way. This step is crucial as it does not damage the wool and at the same time preserves the wool’s softness and elasticity. Conventional spinning is done by hand and at times with the assistance of a spinning wheel locally called Charkha.
Weaving the Pashmina Shawls
This is then followed by spinning where the yarn is now set to be woven into a pashmina scarf or shawl. Pashmina Shawl making is a form of art that has been handed down from one generation to another. Professionals in this technique use handlooms to come up with different designs and patterns. This process is very intricate and takes a lot of time and effort to produce one-single piece of fabric. A single shawl can take from several days to several months to finish one, depending on the pattern’s difficulty.
The finished shawls are then washed and finished by hand to make sure that only quality products that can be associated with the Pashmina name will be produced. The third and final step also involves pulling and swizzling the shawls to make them as smooth as silk and to slide off the shoulders easily.
Unique Characteristics of Pashmina
A pashmina wool shawl has unique properties that make it stand out from other Shawls in the market. The wool used in making the shawls is very soft and this makes the shawls light to carry while at the same time being very warm. Contrary to their softness, Pashmina shawls are very strong and can definitely last for many years if given proper care.
The natural colour of Pashmina wool is from white to different shades of grey to even brown textile. Nevertheless, these shawls can also be dyed in different colours of one’s choice in order to meet the required needs and occasions. The dyeing process of Pashmina products is done using natural dyes to add on to the environmentally friendly nature of the products.
The Cultural Significance of Pashmina Shawls
Pashmina scarfs and shawls are cultural goods in the areas where they are produced. In Ladakh as well as Kashmir, it is used for portraying tradition and colors of the zone. These are mostly worn during events like marriage, initiation and among other things they depict and show the social status of an individual in the society. The positive effects of the eco-friendly pashmina shawls on the sustainable fashion also has added a new value to its cultural aspect. All these shawls are made with the conventional techniques that do not harm the environment and also, value the resources and skills of the area.
Pashmina shawls are also popular worldwide and are considered the greatest investment in various international markets. They never go out of style and have not been duplicated in quality and are therefore very popular with the fashion conscious and collectors. The celebrities and royalties have also been seen sporting these exquisite shawls and this has contributed to the positioning of these shawls as luxury items.
Caring for Pashmina Products
Pashmina wool Shawl or Scarf is a precious item of clothing; thus, it is important to take good care of it. It is recommended to hand wash these shawls using mild soaps or even better still, to take them to the dry cleaners in order not to fade or spoil the softness of the shawls. For the same reason, it is suggested that one should keep Pashmina shawls folded and in a cool and dry place; it is even better if one wraps it in muslin cloth to protect it from dust and other bugs.
Conclusion
The journey of a pashmina wool shawl from the Changthangi goats of the Himalayas to the luxurious piece of clothing is a classical example of the commitment and craftsmanship of the people involved in the process. Thus, the specific characteristics of Pashmina wool along with the traditional approach to the manufacturing process create not only aesthetically pleasing wraps but also practical and long-wearing ones. Incorporated into one’s wardrobe as a fashionable accessory or treasured as a family inheritance, a pashmina scarf or shawl is a distinctive combination of natural fibres and art.
