In regard to the domesticated llamas and alpacas, they were separated in the time of the Incas according to color: and if by chance one in a flock was born of the wrong color, it was eventually put into another flock.
- Charles Darwin
Alpacas, one of the tamed and undomesticated South American camelids species are known for their quality fleece or wool. Having a resemblance with llamas, alpacas are categorized into two breeds; the Huacaya and the Suri. Huacaya breeds are identified by the presence of dense and wavy sheepish fiber while the Suri ones mostly possess silky fibers that offer less resistance to cold in comparison to the Huacaya fleece or wool. Huacaya breeds are found commonly than the Suri species. However, Suri fleece is admired by the spinsters all around the world.
Alpacas have an interesting history which dates back to the ancient Andean mythological times. According to the Andean mythology, alpacas were believed to be related to "Pachmana" which referred to the Earth mother. The natives of the Andes Mountains reckoned alpacas as a gift that had been bestowed at the Ausangate Mountains in Peru.
During the Spanish Colonial rule in Peru, alpaca fiber was deemed to be a necessity for the Inca civilization. The Incans utilized alpaca fibers in manufacturing roofs, bridges, and clothes, etc. Moreover, alpaca fibers had been used as a form of currency during the Spanish reign. In 1834, alpaca fleece was rediscovered by Titus Salt who used it to weave alpaca clothes which then became the favorite wear of the royal line. Thus, Titus brought a great industrial revolution through the usage of alpacas in interlacing clothes. In the world of today, England is counted as one of the leading producers of alpaca yarns and clothing. Moreover, a number of North American and Australian regions are also involved in the breeding of Alpacas and production of the Alpacas wool.
Alpaca fibers, commonly known as alpaca wool are available in diversified shades ranging from
Browns and whites to maroon, peaches and grays. The wool is flexible and can be stained with any dye, thus generating an array of colors. The alpaca fibers comprise of tiny air pockets which makes them good thermal insulator. It possesses a high tensile strength and a lustrous appearance. Clothes being made from alpaca wools do not have an unpleasant smell due to the absence of any grease, oil or lanolin in the fibers. It is capable of resisting solar radiation and abrasion. Moreover, it can be merged with other synthetic fibers, thus producing new types of clothes.
Due to the durability of the Alpaca wool, it is considered to be the best material for making fabrics, holding high demand in the textile industry. Various steps involved in the fabrication of Alpaca wool including the weaving, spinning, combing and finishing process are similar to those involved in the manufacture of wool being derived from other animals.
Owing to the increased requirement and demand of the Huacaya and the Suri Alpaca wool, alpacas are now bred in several countries including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Sarah Rahman is a student pursuing studies in the field of Mass Communication. She has a passion for writing and is currently working as a freelance writer rendering writing services to the national and International clients. You may get in touch on ali.sarah7@gmail.com or you may pay a visit to http://sarahrehman.blogspot.com
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