The Alpaca an animal from the camel family which has uniquely adapted to live at very high altitudes. It is a defining part of the life of indigenous communities of the Andes and considered as one of their biggest treasures.

The modern-day alpaca is a direct ancestor of the wild vicuña (Lama vicugna) and was created by breeder’s selection by indigenous Andean communities. Thanks to genetical research we now know that this happened over 7.000 years ago (more than 6.000 years before the first Europeans arrives in south America), most likely with the aim to create an animal that produces finer wool.

There are two main varieties of Alpacas, Suri and Huacaya, which differ slightly in appearance and in the structure of their fleece. Suris are known for their hardiness and their qualities as working animals. Huacaya on the other hand produce a superior wool quality and a Huacaya fleece will in general have more wool of the sought after highest wool qualities “Baby Alpaca” and “Royal Alpaca”.

Both varieties of Alpacas naturally appear in 24 four different colours and allowing to create a huge number of woven materials which need limited or no coloration at all. However, the Inka have perfected the colouration of alpaca wool with natural pigments from many different minerals, plants and other natural sources which can be found in the great landscapes in the Andes, which range from cold alpine climates in areas such as Arequipa and Cuzco to lush tropical and sub-tropical rainforest in Machu Picchu.

The banner of the Inka empire (Tawantin Suyo) is a rainbow flag not without a reason. It represents the different parts of the Inka empire but at the same time stands for extraordinary natural richness in its realm.