Camelids were domesticated thousands of years ago by native American peoples in the Andean Highlands of South America. The native peoples shifted from a hunting to herding economy around 1700 B.C. While they kept both llamas and alpacas, the alpacas were bred and used primarily for their fiber. Alpaca fiber first appeared wrapped around plant fiber yarn in the Chavin civilization (850 — 200 B.C.) where it played an important role in religious textiles. As they were light in weight and large, the textiles were an ideal vehicle for communicating sophisticated ideas to a culturally diverse illiterate population. Alpaca became a valuable export to these herders.

The early coastal peoples like the Paracas (200 BC — AD 200) had copious supplies of alpaca fiber. They practiced irrigation, agriculture and lived in villages. Their burial coverings were among the most spectacular in Peru utilizing alpaca fiber in richly dyed colors and intricate designs, usually combined with cotton. They appreciated its warmth, softness and glossy sheen. The use of alpaca fiber then spread throughout Peru and reached its zenith in the Inca Empire from the mid 1400's to 1500's. Noble cloistered women wove the special alpaca cloth to be given as symbolic gifts for coming of age, marriage and funeral celebrations. Many of the patterns were simple and the plain colored garments were used to indicate status and occupation.

With the Spanish conquest of the Incas in 1536, we see the introduction of European themes and looms, and a new meaning and value to the cloth. Many of the traditional ways of weaving and uses of color and pattern remain today in the native communities. In 1836, Sir Titus Salt, a British industrialist, was the first industrial spinner to spin alpaca into yarn. In the 20th century, we see two major mills, Mitchell & Co. and Inca Group, appearing in Peru to develop this industry, which revolved around exportation of raw, white fiber. Today, alpaca products comprise 98% of Peru's exports. Alpaca has been known by the Europeans and Japanese for more than a century. This exquisite fiber is only beginning to make an impression on the American consumer as our breeding industry is only about 20 years old.

Alpaca was never marketed to the masses. It was always an elite fiber marketed to a small group — considered a "luxury of better dressing". It incorporates the finest features of the world's natural fibers.

• softer than cashmere
• lustrous sheen
• warmer, stronger, lighter than wool
• durable
• more natural colors than all other natural fibers

Alpaca also contributes handle and drape, and enhances the texture of other fibers with which it is combined. Today's market is about blends — getting the best mix. What's better than alpaca combined with Merino, cashmere, cotton or silk. Alpaca also has a wide range of uses. It is wonderful in fine quality suits, coats and dresses as well as upholstery and decorator fabrics down to pillows and rugs.

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It's denser, has a smoother scale, a finer hand,and a wider range of colors. Qualities you don't find in merino or cashmere.

Alpaca is now produced in America. U.S. breeders are raising animals for fineness which translates into less "itch". This relatively young industry is creating new markets and adding more jobs.

AOBA (The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association) supports and markets alpaca fiber opportunities as a secondary industry, encouraging us to rise out of an already ideal "lifestyle" taking the breeding market to a new level — the fiber market.

Our first fiber cooperative, AFCNA, (Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America) has placed a formerly elite fiber into the hands of consumers daily. Their products are presently produced in Peru and include sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, jackets, and a wide array of colored yarns.

NEAFP (New England Alpaca Fiber Pool) started in 1997, is an alternative choice for those who desire American alpaca products made in North America from North American fiber. They are presently producing APAY (all purpose alpaca yarn), blankets, throws, sweaters, socks, and pillow covers. Alpaca is also eco friendly. As people become more concerned with toxicity in their environment, they appreciate the natural. People don't realize the impact textiles have on their lives. Fiber touches your body every minute of every day as you sit, wrap and sleep in it.

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Alpaca used as a daily household word, from fashion to home furnishings. Alpaca product consumption increased 20% in 1999 and another 30% in 2000. Designers attending Expofil 2000 (a Paris trade show for European yarn mills) were advised that the bulky looking lightweight hairy yarns which include mohair, angora and alpaca would make up one of the hottest trends in their fashion forecast for fall 2001. We are already experiencing the emergence of new regional fiber cooperatives and mills to process our expanding supply of fiber. As we capitalize on the reputation that thousands of years of alpaca production has established, we can ensure that alpaca fiber is in "the right place at the right time".

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