Pashmina is a name to reckon with. The tale of this regal Shawl is known for its luxury. You may have heard of it, may even have in store one or two – owing to forefathers’ artistic love for the finest natural fibre. However, chances are, besides considering Pashmina a symbol of luxury and power, you hardly know how to differentiate one based on its purity.
The name ‘Pashmina’ is popular enough to brighten the face of those who cherish it. Woven by handicraft personals, Pashmina’s designs are embroidered on Charkha (spinning wheel) using various spinning attributes such as drafting, doubling, denting, warping, kilpering, etc. The process of handwoven Pashmina-making is laborious and includes different methods for different types, such as stripes, printed, embroidered, etc. The artisans practising this century-old process are called ‘Wovur’ in Kashmir and the process ‘Wonun.’
The History of Pashmina
Pashmina is a fine cashmere wool traditionally made from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas in Ladakh, India. The word “Pashmina,” derived from the Persian word “Pashm,” means “wool” and refers to the soft, fine fibres that are used to make the fabric.
Pashmina’s history dates back to ancient India and Nepal, where it was traditionally worn by royalty and the wealthy as a symbol of status and luxury. The fabric was also used to make shawls, scarves, and other clothing items and was highly prized for its warmth and softness.
In the modern world, Pashmina is still considered a luxurious fabric and is often used to make high-end clothing and accessories. It is still primarily produced in the Himalayas, although it is now also made in other parts of the world.
The Making of Pashmina
Pashmina is a type of fine wool that is made from the fleece of the Changthangi goat, which is native to the high altitudes (15,000 ft) of the Himalayas in India and Nepal. The goats (Chyangaras) have a double layer of fleece, with the inner layer being finer and softer than the outer layer. This inner layer, known as Pashmina, is collected by combing the goat’s coat and spinning it into yarn. The yarn is then woven into the fabric to create pashmina shawls, scarves, and other products.
Making Pashmina involves several steps, including combing the goat’s coat, spinning the fleece into yarn, and weaving the yarn into fabric. Handcrafted Pashmina is typically made in small batches and has a more organic, rustic appearance than machine-spun yarn. It is often used to create artisanal products such as handwoven shawls and scarves. Handcrafting Pashmina is time-consuming and requires a high level of skill, making the resulting products more expensive than those made with machine-spun yarn.
Also Read: A list of must-buy picks for your shopping in Kashmir
Identifying a Pure PASHMINA
There are many ways to determine whether a pashmina is genuine:
Feel the fabric:
Authentic Pashmina is extraordinarily soft and smooth to the touch. If the fabric feels rough or scratchy, it is likely not genuine Pashmina.
Look at the label:
Authentic Pashmina should have a label indicating that it is made of 100% pure pashmina wool.
Check the weight:
Pashmina is lightweight, so a genuine pashmina shawl or scarf should be light.
Look at the price:
Pashmina is a luxury fabric, so if the price seems too good to be true, the item is likely not genuine.
Check the craftsmanship:
Pashmina shawls and scarves are often handwoven, so the craftsmanship should be high quality. Look for even, tight stitching and a smooth, finished edge.
Check the texture and pattern of Pashmina.
A real Pashmina, especially a handwoven one, has an uneven texture. The painstakingly crafted woven Shawl displays irregularities. However, if the pattern is even, it is machine-made or a mixed blend, not pure.
The Burnt Test
Another way to check whether the Pashmina is genuine is to burn a small scrap of fibre and observe how it smells and looks. An original Pashmina shawl exudes a burnt hair smell.
It is also a good idea to purchase Pashmina from a reputable retailer or manufacturer to ensure you get a genuine product.
Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.