Karakul Sheep

The finest sheep pelts used in fur fashions are Karakul.

KARAKUL SHEEP

In the world of fur fashions, the Karakul sheep reigns supreme!

ORIGINS.
The Karakul sheep is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of
domesticated sheep in the world. Originally from the steppes of
Turkistan, this broadtailed sheep (so called because of the reserves of
fat stored in its tail) gradually spread to other regions of Central Asia.
The breed is named after the village Karakul, which lies in the former
emirate of Bokhara (now Uzbekistan) and there is archaeological
evidence to indicate the existence of Karakul lambskin in central Asia as
early as 2650 BC. Karakul has also been bred in Namibia since early
1900, adapting very well to the harsh desert conditions prevailing there.

Today, Karakul sheep are farmed predominantly in Afghanistan, central
Asian republics of the former Soviet Union and Namibia. They are
possibly the only animals that can survive the harsh, arid conditions of
these regions while providing both a source of food and income to local
people.

Because of the climatic conditions, only a small proportion of new-born
lambs (20-30% depending on the region and the severity of the weather)
can be kept and raised to maturity without damaging the land with
overgrazing. For example, in Namibia, 3-12 hectares of land are needed
to graze each sheep. The young lambs that cannot be sustained
naturally are slaughtered shortly after birth, producing meat, wool,
leather and the Karakul lamb pelt.

The Karakul Pelt.
The Karakul lamb pelt is distinctive for its softness, its water-silk
markings and lustrous, wavy curls. Most pelts are black, due to a
dominant black gene, but other natural colours are grey, white,
silver-grey, pink and brown. With age, the lamb’s curls open and lose
their pattern. The older Karakul sheep has a long, glossy fleece that can
be used to make rugs and blankets.

Karakul Farming Economy.
In the majority of cases, Karakul sheep are bred by farmers in areas
where natural conditions mean there are no viable alternative forms of
agriculture.

They breed out of season, which means that sheep can produce young
three times in two years. Single lambs are the rule, but occasionally
twins are produced.

Karakul sheep are bred for their milk, meat, fleece and pelt. The sheep
farmers who breed these animals are trying to make a living in a harsh
and inhospitable environment, using a sustainable natural resource.
Prices achieved at international auction for Karakul pelts help producers
to earn hard currency in regions that offer little, if any, alternative
sources of income.

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