Kashmiri Woman Spinning

Kashmiri women are often shown spinning on postcards because this was an important economic activity in the region. Kashmir had a long-established and renowned industry for producing luxurious pashmina shawls and other woolen goods, an industry which thrived during colonial times due to high demand from European markets. Spinning the wool from the Changthangi goat was a key part of this industry, and provided Kashmiri women, who could do this at home, with a source of income while managing their household responsibilities.