What really is Pashmina?

Pashmina traditionally was the name given to fine fabrics woven from the hair from special Himalayan goats, Capra hihrcus, raised at high altitudes.  It comes from the Persian word for wool pashm.  The fiber was historically made into shawls in Kashmir  - mentions of which have been found in Indian texts dating back as far as 10 BC.

Pashmina now has become a word synonomous with these fine shawls - instead of with the content of them.  What used to be 100% cashmere, has now become cashmere /silk blends or worse yet rayon.  Be careful what you buy.  Do your research.  Don't buy a shawl that has a label glued into it (instead of being hand-sewn on).  If it has a shine to it, it is probably not cashmere (silk & rayon both have a shine).