Nepal · Fiber / Spinning / Weaving
पश्मिना (Pashmina)
Pashmina uses the undercoat fiber (pashm) of the Changra goat from high-altitude pastures of Mustang, Humla, and Dolpo (12-16 microns diameter). The defining technique is wet-finger drafting on a takli drop spindle: fiber drafted over the spinner's saliva-moistened finger — not water (dries too fast) — providing just enough surface tension to control twist without breaking. 'The fiber should feel like it doesn't want to leave your finger.' Spinning done in still-air conditions only — any breeze breaks the yarn. Complete shawl weighs 100-150g and passes through a finger ring.
Risk level: Endangered · Nepal national ICH list; GI (Geographical Indication) protection
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