Since time began, man has been wrapping himself in the skins and furs of animals to keep warm. Please visit iftf.com for more information on fur trade.
Since time began, man has been wrapping himself in the skins and furs of animals to keep warm. Once worn as a symbol of stature and power in Roman times and as a point of protection during battle to a note of luxury and finesse through the 60’s; the fur trade has evolved through a captivating history.
Actually traced as far back as the Stone Age, early man didn’t have access to a handy clothing outlet on the local high street, so a life outdoors exposed the human skin to all the harsh realities of the elements and the escapement of essential body heat. Our ancestors quickly learned to fashion their own garments to protect their outer skin and soon realised the strength and insulation of the materials they had to hand. Tools and utensils could also be made, as well as weapons to help them defend and indeed, fend for themselves. This would have highlighted leathers extreme durability and capability as body armour in the midst of war. During the Roman era, warriors would almost be strapped and belted in from their Caligae sandals that laced up high above their ankles, with leather kilts and military belts with the helmet displaying plumes of horse hair to distinguish the high ranking officers.
The progression of tanned skins and furs into the fashion items we see today, started with the ancient civilisations of the Romans, the Greeks and the Phoenicians, who revered them so much that they used them in clothing as a sign of affluence and importance and as a main source of income in trading. From this Mediterranean region, the trends then spread to the North of Europe throughout the Middle Ages, where they also realised the tough nature of the skins and the warmth, style and luxury that the fur could bring.
Fur fashion essentially began to gain its momentum during the 11th and 12th centuries when beaver felt was used in the making of hats. It seems that this was the dawn of matching accessories as the production of gloves and muffs soon followed and the very first foundation of furriers were established.
By the 17th century the demand had grown exponentially within Europe, especially for furs such as Sable, leading the Europeans to seek out their prized goods in the huge market of North America, where they could trade with indigenous communities. This now booming trade accounted for many historical shifts with many settlers in non-native countries. The game changed in the battle for supremacy in this market, when the Hudson Bay Company that derived from a charter granted by King Charles II of England for investors and proprietors, could finally meet the needs for beaver hats in Europe. This went on to make them one of the largest fur traders of the Northern Hemisphere throughout the 19th century. By this time, the great wool producers of Australia and New Zealand became big suppliers of lambskins, along with many countries in the Middle East; while South West Africa began to supply many different skins through the use of Karakul farming.
Today, fur farming is the foundation of the industry, signifying the evolution from its humble beginnings to a massive 85% of the trade’s income. Mainly practiced in Northern Europe, mink and fox fur are the biggest contributors to the market. Fur farming includes humane housing, good nutrition and constant veterinary care.
The trade remains unique; still respecting the cultures and traditions of countries and utilising authentic craftsmanship methods whilst being proud to be a part of a regulated industry that ensures humanity, fair trade and high quality.
