The pashmina wool comes from the Changra goats of the Ladakh region, reared by nomadic herders at 4000m altitude. Their wool, which grows in response to cold climate, is shed in the summer and hand combed in order to obtain the extraordinarily delicate fibre. This is done without any harm to the animals. Each bundle of wool is hand cleaned, treated with rice paste, washed and spun into fine gossamer-like threads ready for the artisans at the loom.
For the artisans, weaving is like meditation; entwined in Sufi tradition, each stitch requires dedication and perseverance, the key to becoming closer to the Almighty. The finest, most delicate, embroidery uses thin needles, known as Sozni (from the Persian word Suzan or needle). Each artisan transcends the limits of patience and time as he weaves magic into each stitch.
