SHAWL MAGIC FROM NEPAL TO PERU
Gabrielle LucciSpring is in the air, and youโreย more than ready to store your heavy winter coat, but the days arenโt
quite balmy yet, and youโll need something to keep your shoulders warm this spring. Enter the shawl.
The shawl is said to have been born in the region of Kashmir in northern India around the time of the seventeenth century.ย These scarves were typically handwoven of rare and expensive materials,ย such as cashmere, which came from the fur of Himalayan goats, ultra warm and fine, and which at the time was collected by hand.
The patterns woven into the scarves were often elaborate andย remained in families for generations. They were said to be woven so finely that they could be pulledย circular space of a finger ring. The expensive pieces were originally worn by men in India and Persia.ย Eventually women also began to wear them and scarves found their way to Englandย where they were considered exotic, vibrant and more color fast than anything the English had seen up till then.
The English who did not have Himalayan goats, combined silk with local wool and voila! Weavers couldย make shawls more cheaply and in less time.ย Weaving became mechanized and eventually the jacquard loom invention enabled weavers to create all over patterned shawls.ย As it gained inย popularity in the West, theย shawl evolved to be wornย in many different ways, sometimes even covering the head.
Take a look at our stylishย shawls from Nepal andย Peru. Our Nepali shawls are woven of natural fibers: warm sheep or yak wool and cotton and silk.ย Typically handwoven, and in a variety of shades and designs, some feature knotted hems and reversible styles which make them unique andย practical.
Someย of our scarves can be used as after yoga wraps to keep the chill off or as a lap cover when reading a book or sipping aย Guayusa Tea.
Across the world from Peru, we feature shawls that are crocheted or woven and made from the very warm and luxurious fine fur of theย alpaca, some blended with acrylic and / or silk to give soft drape and strength to the garment.
Many of the artisans are dedicated to preserving Peruโs weaving traditions and giving employment to local women.
For comfort nothing can beat the sumptuous swaddle of a natural fiber shawl.ย A shawl from Shamans Market will make a great addition to your spring attire.
Photos by: Leea Gorell
The post SHAWL MAGIC FROM NEPAL TO PERU appeared first on Shamans Market .
Gabrielle Lucci
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