Project Description
SWAKARA
PATTERNED BY NATURE, PERFECTED BY AFRICA
In 1907 a dozen purebred karakul sheep from the steppes of Central Asia became unlikely immigrants to South West Africa, and spawned over a century of luxury Swakara fur farming. Hardy from the spartan conditions of their semi-arid home, the sheep quickly adapted to the desert climate of Namibia. Astute Namibian farmers used their knowledge of the land to develop specialised breeding standards and farming techniques, increasing the quality of production year after year. Through 110 years of development, Swakara has become a mainstay of the agricultural economy of the dry southern and western areas of Namibia.
Eleven decades of meticulous development and breeding have made Swakara a fur that truly stands apart. With an eye to quality above all, African farmers have created a sheepskin that is unique in the world, differing significantly from those found in Central Asia. Unlike its curly-haired counterparts, Swakara is smooth, silky and flat. The excellent standard of pelts produced in Namibia is also without equal, a result of 110 years of passion and effort. That quality has made the Swakara brand of pelts one of the most coveted in the world
THE SUSTAINABLE ECO-FUR
Swakara is a robust breed, able to thrive despite the dry desert conditions in the southern parts of Namibia. In some parts of the country conditions are so harsh that no other livestock or crop can be cultivated there but Swakara. The Swakara breed fits perfectly into this harsh environment because of its many adaptive traits and characteristics that have evolved through centuries of survival in desert and semi-desert environments.
Swakara is a shining example of how Namibia has worked with rural communities to provide both employment and resources. Contrary to what one might think, all parts of the Swakara sheep are used and nothing is wasted. Besides fur, Swakara sheep provide meat, wool and leather to rural communities.
towards improving the livelihoods of their families and employees and their dependants who are directly or indirectly reliant on the natural environment.
A FUR PERFECT FOR HIGH-END FASHION
From the desert to international catwalks Swakara forms an integral part of designer couture as well as vintage collections. With its velvety texture pelts are more versatile, lightweight and reversible, with numerous styles showing off their suede-leather side. From winter coats, cocktail jackets and boleros to inventive accents and trims, Swakara is a fur perfect for high-end fashion – highly regarded as a long-term investment in terms of style and durability.
FEATURES OF SWAKARA
The most significant feature of a Swakara pelt is its recessed grooves, which form a surface motif. The pattern of ridges is unique to each Swakara pelt, which is at the same time soft and appealing to touch. The shapes, dimensions and combinations of swirls are the main characteristics which determine the grading of a pelt.
With Swakara’s exclusive and lustrous sheen, combined with a truly distinctive pattern of compact curves and whorls, it comes as no surprise that it is a favourite among designers and fur producers.
The natural colour palette of Swakara consists of black, grey, white, brown and spotted, but it is possible to find over 200 different variations in tone. A single grey-coloured Swakara pelt can even feature more than five natural tones.
Swakara directly reduces the vulnerability of the farmer to the adverse impacts of climate change and seasonable environmental variation. The Swakara farmer has the ability to manage his rangeland in such a manner that productivity and biodiversity are restored and maintained. Thus, these farmers significantly contribute towards improving the livelihoods of their families and employees and their dependants who are directly or indirectly reliant on the natural environment.
FARMING ETHICS
Swakara farmers in Namibia comply to strict ethical principles designed to enhance the welfare of the sheep breed. By adhering to these principles, Namibian farmers are committed to the highest moral standards regarding animal welfare. This means that the pelting process of Swakara lambs is done in the most humane way possible. The Code of Practice for Swakara Farmers, which is compulsory for all Swakara farmers, is registered with the International Fur Federation (IFF). The Swakara brand is further striving to achieve the IFF Furmark label.
