History Of The Fur Trade

In human history, in addition to the function of keeping warm, fur clothing has also been a symbol of religious authority and social status. The fur trade is a truly international trade, and it not only connects the world's hunters, wholesalers, garment manufacturers, tanners, designers, international fashion brands and trade associations， but also an important part of the process of human civilization.

Origin 

The first description of human fur clothing can be traced back to 40,000 to 50,000 years ago. At that time, the world was in the "ancient glacial period", and most regions were extremely cold. During the hunting process, the primitive people found that not only animals can be eaten, but their fur can also be used to protect against the cold. Due to the instinct of survival, humans have created a need for clothing and began to use animal skins to protect them from the cold. 

Many long-established Mediterranean civilizations, including Phoenician, Greek, and Roman cultures, have honored tanned animal skins with glory. It not only symbolizes the rights and status of the wearer, but also provides protection during war.

Throughout the history of human development, humans first wore fur to protect themselves from the cold, and later became a symbol of social status because of the noble and gorgeous appearance of fur. Until now, fur has become a representative of fashion products.

Growth 

In northern Europe, fur began to be worn as a fashionable and warm clothing in the 10th century.

From the 11th to the 12th century, fur hats, gloves, etc. all became popular, which laid the foundation for the first golden age of fur clothing products in Europe.

After the 13th century, a strange phenomenon appeared in fur clothing, that is, fur is mainly used for lining and wearing. Fur blanks are sewn into large regular shapes for tailors to make clothing linings.

In the 17th century, Baroque styles became popular, and the Elizabethan stereotyped design gave way to soft, smooth and casual fabric clothing. Fur is rare, except for scarves and hats.

In Europe from the 17th to the 18th centuries, capitalism flourished, and production levels increased significantly. Fur garments have begun to enter the large-scale production stage. Fur processing and fur garment manufacturing technologies are becoming more mature and professional. With a specialized fur garment processing factory, all processes can be completed in the workshop. During this period, the fur industry began to take shape, and its output also increased significantly compared to before.

Thrive

In the 19th century, Australia and New Zealand became major sheepskin producers and continue to this day. 

In the late 19th century, Central Asia became an important supplier of Karakul or Persian sheepskin. After haggling with local vendors, traders from Russia and Armenia collected the fur and shipped it to markets in London and Leipzig.

In the early 20th century，South America became a supplier of many fur species in the fur trade. In the 1920s, Argentina and Uruguay became important producers of fur, especially nutria and sheepskin.

Present

Today, farm-derived fur is the main target of the fur trade, accounting for about 85% of the total transaction volume.

The fur trade continues to support the traditional lifestyles and cultural values ​​of many Canadians, Alaska, Louisiana, Siberia, Namibia and Afghans. 

Today, more than one million people work full-time in the fur trade industry worldwide.

The long tradition of craftsmanship in the New Zealand fur trade has also been preserved. The development of new technologies, the craftsmanship of craftsmen, and the use of fur, the most natural material, have created exquisite and unique fur craft products.

The fur trade supports a wide range of cultures, traditional techniques and lifestyles. At the same time, the fur trade is constantly developing new technologies to meet the needs of the fashion industry and modern consumers.

New Zealand's fur trade is a responsible industry with very strict industry regulations. It does not use endangered animal species and is committed to environmental protection and animal welfare.