Rabbit wool
Cuniculture has been practiced by the Útels of Ela'k Forest in western Dragonía for millennia, both for food and, more importantly, to obtain rabbit wool, from which virtually all traditional Útel clothing and other textiles are woven from. The Ameders in Kanix Forest to the north brought the rabbits and fibre with them from Ela'k Forest centuries ago, but have since gradually switched over to plant fibres -particularly bark cloth-, skins, pelts and especially imported Hyrning Wool from the east in daily life, and only wear rabbit wool garments for special occasions.
Zaþin-naa, the rabbit- and rodent farmers' caste, is responsible for tending to the woolly rabbits and either shearing or plucking loose fur; the latter method is a more traditional but time-consuming process, and has been abandoned by most tribes in favour of shearing the rabbits, even though it produces fibre of somewhat lower quality. Today, only the tribes in Kaiqonon and the Zakerans in southern Malónat still use the traditional method.
Once collected, dyeing the wool and weaving it into blankets and garments is in the hands of tanla-naa, the tailors' caste.
Zaþin-naa, the rabbit- and rodent farmers' caste, is responsible for tending to the woolly rabbits and either shearing or plucking loose fur; the latter method is a more traditional but time-consuming process, and has been abandoned by most tribes in favour of shearing the rabbits, even though it produces fibre of somewhat lower quality. Today, only the tribes in Kaiqonon and the Zakerans in southern Malónat still use the traditional method.
Once collected, dyeing the wool and weaving it into blankets and garments is in the hands of tanla-naa, the tailors' caste.
Properties
Physical & Chemical Properties
Rabbit wool is warm and generally lighter and softer than the hyrning wool used by the Mörkels in eastern Dragonía, but has the tendency to felt easily, especially when it rains. The latter property is the main reason that the Ameders of the Þaln'út region in eastern Kanix Forest rarely use it, as rains and fog occur throughout most of the year.
History & Usage
Everyday use
The fibre is most commonly used by Útels to weave wrap-around loincloths, sashes and cloaks, including the cloaks used to identify which caste one belongs to, as well as feather cloaks.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The Útels have long sold rabbit wool cloaks and blankets to the Jaarels who inhabit the extensive cave systems under the Vúrakesen Mountains southeast of Ela'k Forest along with other goods in exchange for ores, precious- and semi-precious stones, though demand for this material has waned over the last centuries due to the latter gaining access to finer textile, namely Tree Silk from the Vorran Peninsula on the other side of the mountains.
Today, the main reason that Jaarels still accept rabbit wool is so they can sell it to the Kroks -reptilian inhabitants of Vorran Peninsula-, who are fascinated by its texture and appearance.
Today, the main reason that Jaarels still accept rabbit wool is so they can sell it to the Kroks -reptilian inhabitants of Vorran Peninsula-, who are fascinated by its texture and appearance.
Law & Regulation
In certain western and central Ameder city-states, only members of the ruling dynasties are allowed to wear rabbit wool clothing on daily basis, while commoners can only do so during festivals or certain ceremonies.
Type
Textile
Color
Raw rabbit wool ranges from black and white to various shades of grey and brown. Among Útels it's commonly dyed red, orange, yellow, purple or green
Related Locations
Related Species
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