The world is trying to be a kinder place. In considering the well-being of all animals, many are looking towards products and practices that do not harm the earth and its beings. Among the most environmentally friendly natural products are silk and wool. They cause less injury to the environment than mass-produced manmade items or products that deplete limited natural resources.
The current process creating the finest examples of 100% unadulterated pashmina scarves and shawls is the same now as it has always been. It begins with the removal of excess hair from Kashmir goats. No discomfort to the goat occurs as the animal needs to remove or shed the hair naturally, the individuals involved help by combing or shearing the fine haired undercoat. They do so as the temperatures rise, decreasing the chance of heat stress on the animals.
Tibet and many regions of China tend to rely on the traditional method of employing a coarse comb to take off the hair. This increases the amount of high quality hair removed while allowing nature to take its course – to decide when shedding will occur. No one wishes to hurry the process as it will affect the health and well-being of the animals and, therefore, the livelihood of the owners. Yet, even where the owners employ the more modern technology of shearing, no harm befalls the goats because of or during the procedure.
While commercial production of these animals for producing cashmere and pashmina scarves and shawls is possible, it must occur within the natural habitat. The owner must satisfy certain natural requirements – free range grazing and harsh mountain cold, or the quality of the product will suffer immensely. Kashmir goats do not thrive and, therefore, provide the finest of undercoats if they are deprived of their proper environment.
Today, the word “pashmina” no longer restricts itself to a specific quality of product. Among scarves and shawls, the word can encompass fabrics combining normal wool, cotton and even acrylic substances. Yet, the use of this word fails to acknowledge or even compare to the true, traditionally made pashmina scarves and shawls. They lack these products qualities (and quality) of being the definitive in pliability, lightness, warmness and opulence.
Julie-Ann.
March 11, 2011
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