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Shahtoosh (also written Shatush) - a Persian word meaning "Pleasure of Kings" - was the name given to a specific kind of shawl, which was woven with the down hair of the Chiru or Tibetan Antelope, by the weavers of Kashmir. These shawls were originally very few and it took very skilled artisans to weave the delicate hair (which measured between 9 and 11 micrometres). These factors made Shahtoosh shawls very precious. Shahtoosh are so fine that an average size shawl can be passed through a wedding ring. The Chiru antelope live in one of the harshest environments on earth, at an altitude of over 5,000 metres. Their special type of down fur, which is both very light and warm, allows them to survive in the freezing conditions of the plateau where they gather at one point of the year. They are migratory animals - moving down from Mongolia to Tibet - and traditionally followed closely by the nomads, who also make that journey every year. The nomads would hunt the antelope for all that it provided them - hide, meat, bones, horns and fur pelts - in short, everything that the nomads needed to sustain them through their journey. It is a long-perpetuated false claim, however, that nomads gathered Chiru down from rocks and bushes, after it was naturally shed by the animals. To obtain the down fur, the animals must be hunted and killed. Multiple Chiru must be killed to gain the materials necessary for a single Shahtoosh shawl. The nomads had no use at all for the soft down - its incredible fineness making it virtually impossible to handle - and this is where the weavers of Kashmir played their role. With their experience in handling the finest hand-combed Pashmina wool, they could weave shawls of the most exquisite quality, and thus the Shahtoosh Shawl was born.
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How expensive is a shatoosh shawl?
A shatoosh shawl is typically very expensive, often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as quality, craftsmanship, and rarity. The high price is largely due to the material, which comes from the fine undercoat of the Tibetan antelope, a species that is endangered and legally protected. As a result, authentic shatoosh shawls are rare and considered luxury items. When purchasing, it's essential to ensure the shawl is ethically sourced and genuine.
What coincidence makes the shopkeeper give shabanu the beautiful shatoosh and what effect does it have on her opinion about herself?
The shopkeeper gives Shabanu the beautiful shatoosh after realizing that she is the daughter of a respected man in the community, which he views as an honor. This unexpected gift boosts Shabanu's self-esteem and makes her feel valued and important, highlighting her connection to her family's legacy. As a result, she begins to see herself not just as a girl with responsibilities, but as someone deserving of beauty and recognition. This moment deepens her understanding of her identity and place in the world.
