Kullu and Kinnauri Shawls
Sheep wool is the primary raw material, which is used for making shawls and other woolen garments. The other sources for shawls are migratory Himalayan goats, Pashmina goats and angora rabbits. Wool is obtained from the underbelly of the sheep, as it is finer than the outer body hair. For Pashmina wool, the goats naturally shed their fleece during the summer season. Himachal Pradesh also imports wool from Australia. Chemical and vegetable dyes are used to color the wool in various hues. Yak and rabbit wool are comparatively more soft and warm than sheep wool.
The genuine handloom weaving technique is similar to those practiced by ancestral weavers. Pit and frame looms are still used and designs are embroidered by hand. Patterns on looms use techniques such as slit tapestry and interlacing (dove tailing).
