History:
Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization. They played a central part in the Incan culture that was located on the high Andean plateau and mountains of South America. Alpacas and their cousins, the llama, have been domesticated for some 6,000 years. Alpacas produce a fine cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty. This amazing animal provided the food, fuel, clothing, and transportation for a civilization that thrived in an otherwise hostile environment.
With the Spanish conquest of the Incas came the almost total annihilation of the alpaca. This wonderful animal survived only because of its importance to the Indian people and its incredible ability to live at altitudes and conditions which cannot sustain the life of other domestic animals.
The fabulous qualities of alpaca fiber was discover in the mid 1800’s by Sir Titus Salt of London. Following his discovery, the alpaca regained its prominence. Today there is worldwide commerce in the alpaca and its products.
