I almost wish I'd thought of it first, but I first read about novelty merkins in a comic book that came out in sometime in the 1970s.
It only took a few decades for the joke to turn into a trend, best described by Stark.Raving.Mad.Mommy:
stark. raving. mad. mommy.: Merkins: Because Untamed Va-Jay-Jays Are So 2010
Yes, a new and slightly disturbing use for dyed fox fur and feathers, take that PETA.
PETA Uses Profane Language To Slam New Fox Fur Merkin Offered by Cindy Barshop's Spa (UPDATE)
You're welcome for the vagina shots.
It was getting a little cock-shot heavy in here.