Story: Exotic farm animals

Alpaca fibre

Alpaca fibre

The ancient Incas called alpaca fibre ‘the fibre of the gods’ because of its softness and silky lustre. It is of a similar fineness to merino wool and is claimed to be lighter, softer and warmer than wool. Alpaca fibre contains little oil so does not shrink when washed. It can be blended with other fibres such as wool, silk or mohair. This photograph shows the parted fleece, illustrating the staple length.

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New Zealand Herald
Reference: 280808NZHAGALPACA04.JPG
Photograph by Alan Gibson

Permission of the New Zealand Herald must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Jim Esson, 'Exotic farm animals - Alpacas and llamas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/18705/alpaca-fibre (accessed 21 April 2024)

Story by Jim Esson, published 24 Nov 2008