Follow alpaca shearing and wool processing and weaving in the Andes
Follow alpaca shearing and wool processing and weaving in the Andes
Learn how alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are raised in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Bolivia to be sheared every two years so that the wool can be shipped to cities such as Arequipa, Peru, for processing into fine fabrics.
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Transcript
NARRATOR: Alpacas are bred mainly for their fine wool. The stubby grass found in the high elevations of Peru and Bolivia is the natural diet of alpacas. In this climate they grow exceptionally warm coats, varying in color from black or brown to tan and even white.
Like the indigenous peoples who domesticated them, alpacas have adapted to the low levels of oxygen in the air they breathe.
The shearing process, which takes place every two years, is an ordeal for both the animals and the people. Although it’s not considered harmful to the alpacas, tremendous energy is required on the part of the workers to win the animals’ cooperation.
Once the alpaca is subdued, skillful hands make quick work of the shearing.
The actual business of wool gathering is not in private hands. Many Indian groups have formed co-ops so that the group effort is rewarded by group profit.
Once the wool has been baled, trucks transport it from the highlands to huge warehouses in big cities, such as Arequipa in Peru.
There the alpaca wool is graded for quality and separated by color. The dark wool is removed from the white, which will later be dyed.
At nearby mills the wool is spun into fibers of luxurious texture that are eventually woven to produce some of the world’s finest fabrics.
Like the indigenous peoples who domesticated them, alpacas have adapted to the low levels of oxygen in the air they breathe.
The shearing process, which takes place every two years, is an ordeal for both the animals and the people. Although it’s not considered harmful to the alpacas, tremendous energy is required on the part of the workers to win the animals’ cooperation.
Once the alpaca is subdued, skillful hands make quick work of the shearing.
The actual business of wool gathering is not in private hands. Many Indian groups have formed co-ops so that the group effort is rewarded by group profit.
Once the wool has been baled, trucks transport it from the highlands to huge warehouses in big cities, such as Arequipa in Peru.
There the alpaca wool is graded for quality and separated by color. The dark wool is removed from the white, which will later be dyed.
At nearby mills the wool is spun into fibers of luxurious texture that are eventually woven to produce some of the world’s finest fabrics.