Alpaca History
Alpacas are indigenous to South America and are a domesticated member of the camelid (camel) family. Other camelid family members include the domesticated llama, the wild guanaco and vicuna of South America, the Bactrian camel of Asia and the Dromedary camel from Africa.
Hundreds of years ago, they were considered a priceless treasure among Incan civilizations. Unlike the llama which was bred for transportation or carrying heavy loads, the alpaca was raised for its soft, luxurious fleece which was highly valued and used for royal Incan clothing, tapestries and artwork. Stunning examples have been found still intact in ancient burial sites.
With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, many alpacas were destroyed as a way to conquer the Incan people who used them as a food source as well as for their fleece. Also the Spaniards preferred their native merino sheep over the alpaca; therefore for a period of time, alpaca fiber was a well-kept secret.
During the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, textile manufacturers discovered the luxury, warmth, versatility and strength of alpaca fiber. Sir Titus Salt of Saltaire, England began studying the unique properties of alpaca fleece – that the fiber was stronger than sheep’s wool and that its strength did not diminish with fineness of staple. He fashioned alpaca textiles from raw fleece that were soft, lustrous, and alpaca began making its mark across Europe. South American breeders expanded their herds to meet the growing demand, and by the 20th century, alpacas were being exported to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, Israel and the United States. Today, the alpaca textile industry is centered in Arequipa, Peru; yarn and other products made from alpaca are sold primarily in Japan and Europe.
Alpacas were first imported to the United Stated in 1984. Today, alpacas are being successfully raised in many parts of the world, and the United States alpaca industry is flourishing. In 2004, the USA alpaca industry celebrated its 20th year anniversary.
At Astral-Light Alpacas, LLC we are committed to preserving the noble heritage and rich history of the alpaca through selective breeding, setting high standards to produce luxurious, fine fiber, and a desire to consistently improve the quality of our herd.
Alpaca Facts Alpaca History Alpaca Care, Shearing, and Nutrition
Hundreds of years ago, they were considered a priceless treasure among Incan civilizations. Unlike the llama which was bred for transportation or carrying heavy loads, the alpaca was raised for its soft, luxurious fleece which was highly valued and used for royal Incan clothing, tapestries and artwork. Stunning examples have been found still intact in ancient burial sites.
With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, many alpacas were destroyed as a way to conquer the Incan people who used them as a food source as well as for their fleece. Also the Spaniards preferred their native merino sheep over the alpaca; therefore for a period of time, alpaca fiber was a well-kept secret.
During the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, textile manufacturers discovered the luxury, warmth, versatility and strength of alpaca fiber. Sir Titus Salt of Saltaire, England began studying the unique properties of alpaca fleece – that the fiber was stronger than sheep’s wool and that its strength did not diminish with fineness of staple. He fashioned alpaca textiles from raw fleece that were soft, lustrous, and alpaca began making its mark across Europe. South American breeders expanded their herds to meet the growing demand, and by the 20th century, alpacas were being exported to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, Israel and the United States. Today, the alpaca textile industry is centered in Arequipa, Peru; yarn and other products made from alpaca are sold primarily in Japan and Europe.
Alpacas were first imported to the United Stated in 1984. Today, alpacas are being successfully raised in many parts of the world, and the United States alpaca industry is flourishing. In 2004, the USA alpaca industry celebrated its 20th year anniversary.
At Astral-Light Alpacas, LLC we are committed to preserving the noble heritage and rich history of the alpaca through selective breeding, setting high standards to produce luxurious, fine fiber, and a desire to consistently improve the quality of our herd.
Alpaca Facts Alpaca History Alpaca Care, Shearing, and Nutrition
