Are they a mere commodity?? - Part 2
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A decade ago I inherited a leopard fur coat from my mother in law. It was my father in law that asked me, as I think he found it a bit of a waste to leave a fur coat in a second hand shop. I can't really say that I wanted the coat - as a principle I will not wear a fur coat. But I simply couldn't stand the thought of more people making money on this leopard that once had to sacrifice its life for the sake of human adornment and someone making money on it. So I reluctantly took the coat. Ever since it's been hanging in my wardrobe. From time to time I've pulled it out and wondered whether I should try and sell it and give the money to the Amur leopard conservation - but each time I get the same image of of some human with the urge for that kind of adornment. So every time I just put it back in the wardrobe.
Yesterday I started a clear out of my wardrobe, and there it was again. This time I pulled it out and sat with the coat in my hands. I let my fingers run through the fur and pulled up the collar where for the first time I really got the live sensation of the animal that had once inhabited this fur. Underneath the collar was the markings of what clearly would have been the part across its shoulder and neck. I could FEEL it in a crouched position, I could FEEL its sheer ferocity, I could FEEL it charge across the savanna. I almost wept. To think that such a spirit should have been reduced to this. There and then I came to the desicion to bury it. I felt it deserved peace from human hands.
Fashionistas would probably call it a crime... we are talking about a short tailormade, genuine vintage leopard coat (mink collars and cuffs - God forbid) from the 40's or 50's. Anyway... haven't even got a clue what someone would 'value' it at today. Maybe not even much. So I'm settled that it was the right decision.
.
.
Yesterday I started a clear out of my wardrobe, and there it was again. This time I pulled it out and sat with the coat in my hands. I let my fingers run through the fur and pulled up the collar where for the first time I really got the live sensation of the animal that had once inhabited this fur. Underneath the collar was the markings of what clearly would have been the part across its shoulder and neck. I could FEEL it in a crouched position, I could FEEL its sheer ferocity, I could FEEL it charge across the savanna. I almost wept. To think that such a spirit should have been reduced to this. There and then I came to the desicion to bury it. I felt it deserved peace from human hands.
Fashionistas would probably call it a crime... we are talking about a short tailormade, genuine vintage leopard coat (mink collars and cuffs - God forbid) from the 40's or 50's. Anyway... haven't even got a clue what someone would 'value' it at today. Maybe not even much. So I'm settled that it was the right decision.
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