Astrakhan

Astrakhan is the tightly curled fleece of the foetal or newborn karakul sheep (the Turkish word for black sheep). It can also refer to the fleece of foetal or newborn lambs from other species, or a knitted or woven fabric that imitates the looped surface.
Its history is traced to Central Asia and the Middle East. It was earlier used for the elite class’ clothing while its production fabric started in the 19th century.
The astrakhan sheep fur is curly and stiff, short and flat, dense and wavy. The astrakhan fur provides a rich and detailed layer of soft and silky material, with a beautiful natural colour and pattern. It is well known for its warmth even in the worst of weather while it combines impression and attractiveness.
On the other hand, Swakara stands for South West Africa karakul – it is no different than astrakhan while it is used as a brand name and not a category of another fur. European settlers brought to Namibia special sheep that were farmed for their skins according to animal rights’ laws and animal welfare activism.
We carefully select all of the raw materials from the best pelts at major auctions both in North America and North Europe, especially from farms in countries of high coldness where animals have got a superior fur.
Explore our collection of both sculptured and full pelts Astrakhan and Swakara furs in variety of designs and colors. Because keeping warm in winter is the real purpose!