Learning the intricate and delicate process of making handwoven and hand-embroidered shawls, scarves and coats has always been a dream of Firdose Ahmad Jan’s. His father taught him the centuries-old Kashmiri art and his mother supported and encouraged him, teaching him that the craft would not only provide him with a livelihood but was also a way to serve god. The art involves cleaning and transforming raw pashmina goat wool into fine thread, weaving the thread with a handloom and embroidering floral motifs with silk, metal or pashmina.

In Kashmir, pashminas are part of the national identity. They are worn daily as part of regular dress, used to help cure neck or back pain, and given as gifts during ceremonies or festivals.