Origins
Alpacas belong to the camelid family and are part of the centuries-old history of Andean populations. In Peru, there are ancient rock paintings over 8,000 years old showing the first interactions between ancient Peruvian people and these extraordinary, curious, and intelligent animals. According to historians, alpacas were domesticated between 4000 and 5000 BC. The Incas revered them, believing that the gods had gifted them to humans to make life possible. They thrive in cold climates and extreme temperatures, typical of southern Peru, where about 80% of the world’s alpacas live today. They are a valuable resource for local populations, serving as transport, food, and for the soft, fine fibers obtained from their dense coats.
Characteristics
Alpaca fibers are extremely light, fine, and delicate, requiring careful handling. To increase strength, they are often blended with other natural fibers, such as cotton or silk, resulting in garments that are more durable yet equally warm, soft, and elegant. Two breeds of alpaca live in the Peruvian mountains: the Suri is rarer, slightly smaller than the common variety, and has a particularly shiny, long, silky undercoat, with colors ranging from white to various shades of brown, gray, and deep black. Shearing, which produces the precious undercoat, occurs once a year between November and March. A distinctive feature of alpaca wool is the absence of lanolin, making it naturally hypoallergenic. People sensitive to regular wool can wear alpaca comfortably. This high-quality fiber is appreciated for its durability, elasticity, water repellency, and warmth.