All About the Jamawar Shawl
 The jamawar shawl enjoys a rich and vivid history dating back to hundreds of years earlier. Jamawar refers to a particular type of fabric which is distinguished by its manner of weaving, but at times the term is used to refer to a long shawl or scarf - the best known product made from this luxuriant material.
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There are two literal meanings to the term jamawar. In India, it is said to be a combination of the words 'robe' and 'yard'. Yet another reference states that jamawar means 'grown piece'. Whichever translation is correct, jamawar still refers to a woven, patterned piece of silk or fine wool which is usually made into a scarf or shawl.
Origins of Jamawar
It is rather unclear as to the exact date on which ancient Indian cultures began making the unique jamawar fabric, although it was certainly over several hundred years ago and most likely somewhere around the 15th century. Jamawar is a derivative of Chinese silk, which was brought to India by ship when traders roamed the high seas bartering goods. Afghans and Persians, however, used a particularly fine wool to weave their jamawar.
Because of the effort involved in weaving this material, jamawar was once so expensive that only the very rich could afford it. In southeast Asia, it was considered a mark of royalty. It was not until the jacquard loom was invented in the late 18th century that jamawar become more affordable and more popular.
What is Jamawar?
 The difference between jamawar shawls and those made of silk is the weaving. With jamawar, the weft, or horizontal, threads on a weaving loom run only as far as a block in a pattern. Each tiny area of the pattern has threads which are woven back and forth. This painstaking process, particularly for a complex pattern, can sometimes takes years to complete, although more often these days a shawl can be woven in about four months.
Today, jamawar shawls are usually offered in east Indian patterns, such as paisleys and exotic florals. Colors run the gamut from deep, rich shades to pastel tones and often feature an ombre effect, where several tones blend together. Traditionally, metallic threads are often used and this is a popular option for east Indian brides wearing a jamawar shawl or sari wrap. Often the style is influenced by the origins of the fabric, which can be from Turkey, Afghanistan, Armenia, Turkistan, or even Russia.
When you purchase a jamawar shawl, you are really buying a piece of history. Remember the vast amount of work which goes into its design and weaving and enjoy your beautiful, finely crafted fashion accessory.
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