I would write your friend and make some suggestions about the type of silk you want and can work with and not take a chance it would be unusuable.
You can at least give some suggestions on weight of fabric - such as "about the weight and feel of a man's shirt" and not the thin chiffon type. Most likely what will be found is the heavir more brocade silk from the area. But help your friend in the selection at least of the type.