Products of Yak Hair of Nepal

The Yak is highly valued and its long, hard outer hair is made into ropes and harnesses, waterproof tents, durable mats and sacks. In former times – long before snow goggles appeared – it was even used for protection against snow-blindness. The commonest eye preservers consist of a gauze netting of closely plaited black yak hair. The soft, down-like inner hair of the yak is woven mainly into soft blankets. Some clothing is made from the hair of the young, two and a half to three year old yak. Yak-hair items are highly regarded by the sherpas as items of trade as well as for use at home and as part of the dowry.