Cashmere Club
About Cashmere (The Pashmina)
Cashmere has been derived from the name Kashmir
Pashmina is produced from Ladakhi goats in remote inaccessible areas of Ladakh. This is soft and costlier animal fibre of 15 micron to 17 micron. This fibre is world wide known as “ Cashmere “ and produced from goats in Ladakh, Mongolia, Tibet and some parts of Iran and Afghanistan. The classification of this wonder fibre has been made on the basis of the region in which it is produced. We have the following
1) pashmina (Ladakh region of kashmir)
2) Mongolian cashmere
3) Chinese cashmere
4) Afghan cashmere
5) Iranian cashmere
Pashmina is raw material for Kashmir shawl industry. Pashmina fibre is strong but delicate. It has about 90% of the strength of fine merino wool fibre and 60% of Mohair fibre. It has higher insulating value. The scales on the fibres are deep, which helps in inter fibre cohesion. It is because of these qualities pashmina was introduced in the world market through fine quality shawls in olden times. Pashmina is commercially produced in “changthang” area of Ladakh. The nomads of changthang called “changpas” traditionally rear goats for production of Pashmina. In view of low possibilities of agriculture farming in changthang, people rear big herds of goats. They migrate on specific routes in search of better Pasture for their livestock.
The pastureland has also come under extreme pressure due to migration of people along with goat herds from western Tibet to ladakh.
Kashmir Pashmina Shawls/Stoles are produced from finest quality of Cashmere fibre derived from rare species of goats called Capra Hircus. It is shrink resistant and has the unique style. These physical properties combine to produce an extremely fine handspun sleek yarn which on traditional handlooms produces garments with very desirable weaving qualities.
Kashmir had the distinction of introducing fine Kashmir shawls in important world markets, with state of Art Craftsmanship. Shawl weaving in Kashmir dates back to many centuries under patronage of saints and rulers. Kashmir Pashmina shawls became famous with Emperors, Kings and Royal families and were important part of rich cultural heritage. In the beginning of 19th Century Kashmir Pashmina shawls found access in European markets. Napoleon Bonaparte the famous ruler of France presented a rare Pashmina shawl to Empress Josephine