What Are Persian Lamb Coats?

Persian lamb is growing in popularity.

Sold in high-fashion stores and worn by celebrities, Persian lamb coats are making a comeback in the fashion industry. However, as beautiful as these coats may be, they are shrouded with controversy.

History

Asia, Europe and Africa breed Persian lamb.

Bred as early as 1,400 B.C. in the Bukhara oasis of Uzbekistan, Central Asia, karakul, or Persian lamb, are possibly the oldest breed of domesticated sheep.

Time Frame

Only the skins of Persian lambs less than 3 days old is used for coats. Often times, the fetus is taken from the pregnant ewe before birth. The fetuses are considered to have the best pelts, and the rest of the animals are discarded.

Features

Karakul means "black fur." Fetuses and newborns have a soft, tightly curled black fur that is glossy and looks like crushed velvet. After three days, the fur changes. It is this fur that is used to make the Persian lamb coats. The fur is also known as broadtail, krimmer and astrakhan.

Production

It takes 30 karakul lamb pelts to make one Persian lamb coat. These coats sell for $5,000 to $12,000 each.

Considerations

Uzbekistan is the world's second largest producer of karakul. Afghanistan is first. The Humane Society says it has documented acts of animal cruelty used in the production of Persian lamb coats.

References

• Encyclopedia.com: Karakul Lamb
• The Humane Society: Astrakhan: Hot New Fashion is the Same Old Cruelty
• Taipeitimes.com: Karakuls Burst Upon the Fashion World