➪  What is Shahtoosh Wool ?

We are often asked about the origin of the wool used for our pashminas. Some even inquire if they are made from shahtoosh wool. It is important to note that while pure pashmina is made from the underbelly and neck hair of semi-nomadic Himalayan goats, shatoosh is produced from the neck and chest hair of Tibetan antelopes known as "Chirus."

Shahtoosh is derived from the Persian word Shah-tus, which means "the king's wool" in reference to the exceptional fineness of its fibers (9 microns). "Shah" means king and "tus" means wool. In comparison, pashmina is derived from the Persian word Pashmînâh, which means "warm wool" (14 microns). "Pashm" means wool/yarn and "înâh" means warm/heat.

Chiru antelopes live on the high plateaus of the Himalayas at an altitude of up to 4,500 meters and have developed very warm and soft wool under their bellies and necks to withstand extremely cold weather. However, it is impossible to domesticate them for shearing. Unfortunately, Chiru antelopes are killed for their valuable wool.

In the 20th century, the number of antelopes was estimated at over 2 million. However, the mass slaughter of these animals has significantly reduced their population to just 75,000 individuals. Attempts have been made to domesticate Chirus, but without success. To protect the species from extinction, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species has banned the trade of shahtoosh, along with elephant, tiger, and rhinoceros products since 1979.

Despite this ban, shahtoosh can still be found on the black market. However, it is important not to succumb to the lure of profit and to participate in the protection of these animals by avoiding the purchase of shatoosh products. If you are looking for a beautiful quality stole, choose pashmina instead, which is also very soft and warm.

If you are searching for an authentic shahtoosh (whose minimum price is around 3,000 euros), it is unlikely that you will find one nearby or even online. Unfortunately, the rarity of shahtoosh prompts some unscrupulous sellers to sell genuine pashminas as shahtoosh. It is therefore essential to participate in the defense of animals by avoiding trying to buy shahtoosh and instead opting for a nice quality pashmina.

If you are looking for a similar quality product to shahtoosh, we recommend:

→ Genuine 100% cashmere pashmina
or
→ Hand-embroidered pashmina shawl

These products are made from the soft and warm wool of Himalayan goats and are crafted with respect for animals and the environment.