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 ancient Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians sparked the trend, and subsequent evolution, of the fur trade into what we know it as today. Animal skins and furs were of huge importance to these early civilisations. Not only were they a symbol of power and status, but they were also relied on as a source of income. Through the Middle Ages, word spread of how tough, versatile and warm animal skins could be from the Mediterranean region to Northern Europe.
It was in the 11th and 12th centuries that fur fashion really started to take off. Around this time, beaver felt began to gain popularity in the design of hats, and gloves and muffs were produced to match. The first ever foundation of furriers originated in this era, too.
By the 17th century demand within Europe had grown so rapidly that trade routes had to be opened up in North America. The demand for furs such as Sable was so great that the only way to satisfy the Europeans was to begin trading with the plentiful supply of the indigenous communities across the Atlantic. This new, huge and international industry was the root of many historical shifts with settlers in non-native countries. The Hudson Bay Company, deriving from a charter granted by King Charles II for proprietors and investors, changed the game when it came to the battle for supremacy in the market. They were finally able to fulfil the demand for beaver hats in Europe. This propelled them to success as the largest fur traders in the Northern Hemisphere, during the 1800s. By this time many different animal skins were being exported from South West Africa through their use of Karakul farming, and meanwhile wool producers in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East were becoming big suppliers of lambskins.
Today, fur farming is the cornerstone of the fur industry. From humble beginnings, the trade has come a long way, and farming now constitutes 85% of the total income, mostly practiced in Northern Europe. Animal welfare is more important than ever: humane housing, good nutrition and constant veterinary care are included. The largest contributors to the market are mink and fox fur.
The fur trade is a unique one. Respectful of culture and tradition across the globe, the fur trade utilises ancient and authentic methods and craftsmanship to this day, whilst retaining pride in fair trade, humanity and quality.
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 ancient Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians sparked the trend, and subsequent evolution, of the fur trade into what we know it as today. Animal skins and furs were of huge importance to these early civilisations. Not only were they a symbol of power and status, but they were also relied on as a source of income. Through the Middle Ages, word spread of how tough, versatile and warm animal skins could be from the Mediterranean region to Northern Europe.
It was in the 11th and 12th centuries that fur fashion really started to take off. Around this time, beaver felt began to gain popularity in the design of hats, and gloves and muffs were produced to match. The first ever foundation of furriers originated in this era, too.
By the 17th century demand within Europe had grown so rapidly that trade routes had to be opened up in North America. The demand for furs such as Sable was so great that the only way to satisfy the Europeans was to begin trading with the plentiful supply of the indigenous communities across the Atlantic. This new, huge and international industry was the root of many historical shifts with settlers in non-native countries. The Hudson Bay Company, deriving from a charter granted by King Charles II for proprietors and investors, changed the game when it came to the battle for supremacy in the market. They were finally able to fulfil the demand for beaver hats in Europe. This propelled them to success as the largest fur traders in the Northern Hemisphere, during the 1800s. By this time many different animal skins were being exported from South West Africa through their use of Karakul farming, and meanwhile wool producers in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East were becoming big suppliers of lambskins.
Today, fur farming is the cornerstone of the fur industry. From humble beginnings, the trade has come a long way, and farming now constitutes 85% of the total income, mostly practiced in Northern Europe. Animal welfare is more important than ever: humane housing, good nutrition and constant veterinary care are included. The largest contributors to the market are mink and fox fur.
The fur trade is a unique one. Respectful of culture and tradition across the globe, the fur trade utilises ancient and authentic methods and craftsmanship to this day, whilst retaining pride in fair trade, humanity and quality.
About the Author:
There are a whole range of of furs to choose from when you're updating your Winter wardrobe, such as the wonderfully soft and glamourous beaver fur. Why not find out more about the fur industry today?
