What is Pashmina?

Pashmina traditionally referred to fine fabric woven from the hair of goats (Capra hircus) raised in the Himalayas at high elevations.    The name "pashmina" comes from the Persian word for wool pashm.  The fabric historically was woven in shawls in Kashmir.  There are mentions in Indian texts dating back as far as 10BC.

Pashmina today has become synonomous with "large shawl of fine drapey fabric".  The fabric content is negotiable, it can be 100% cashmere (as it was traditionally), a blend (most commonly cashmere/silk) or even 100% rayon.