These pelts are from Tunis sheep that needed to go to the abattoir. We are a zero-waste farm, the best way to honor an animal is to use every part of them. The Tunis sheep is a heritage breed and is on the Shave 'em to save 'em program with the Livestock Conservancy as they are critically endangered.
"The name Tunis describes the breed’s connections to foundation stock from Tunisia in North Africa. North African sheep, variously described as “fat tailed,” “broad tailed,” and “Barbary” sheep, were brought to the US as a gift by the Bey of Tunis to George Washington in the late 1700s. The pair was placed with Judge Richard Peters of Belmont, Pennsylvania, who made rams available and gave away lambs to help spread this sheep breed to others. References to these sheep appear in letters, journals, and farm records of some of the leading agriculturists and citizens of the day, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Peters, Charles Roundtree, and George Washington Custis. Gradually, a uniquely American breed was created from this stock. Tunis sheep were a recognizable breed by the late 18th to early 19th century, making them one of the oldest breeds of livestock developed in America.Tunis sheep are a dual-purpose breed originally brought to the USA which means they can be raised for both meat and wool. We use Tunis for both those purposes. When Tunis lambs are born, they are completely red and as they age only their heads and legs stay red. The wool turns into a light caramel hue. " - information from the Livestock Conservancy website. The livestock that we raise on Mitchell Wool Farm are nearly all endangered breeds that we are working to bring back breed census.
It's super soft with our signature tight crimps in a light caramel hue. These are of course, one of a kind and irreplaceable. No two are alike, as neither are their personalities. They are irregular in shape and some have smaller holes, this is characteristic to the natural quality of an animal hide and are not defects.
Perfect for a chair back, hearth or for a babies room.
Tanned in an eco-friendly process by a Michigan Family owned Tannery
