Buzz
A kilogram of Vicuña wool is sold for prices ranging from $399 to $600 USD, solidifying its position as one of the most expensive types of wool in the world.
Nestled in the depths of the Andes in Peru resides a cherished creature known for its exorbitantly priced fleece. This is the Vicuña, a non-domesticated member of the camel family, boasting a slender frame, standing at 1.8 meters, with a coat that shimmers.
The Vicuña's distinctive feature lies in its fleece. Their wool is compared to be softer and warmer than cashmere. Wool crafted from Vicuña fleece provides ample warmth to combat the harsh cold of the Andean at 4000 meters above sea level.
In the 13th century, Vicuñas were extensively utilized during the Incan empire. Wool from these creatures could be used to fashion coats fit for royalty.
For many, shearing Vicuñas is a sacred process. Large herds of Vicuñas are gathered and sheared through a practice known as Chaccu before being released afterward. No one dares to harm a Vicuña.
However, by 1532, Spanish colonizers had seized land and disrupted traditions for profit. Vicuña wool was once considered as profitable as silk in ancient times.
Millions of Vicuñas were poached for their prized fleece. Just centuries later, the tide turned. With only 6,000 Vicuñas left by 1960, the Peruvian government declared them an endangered species. Poaching was once again prohibited. A 103km2 Vicuña reserve named Pampas Galeras was established in Ayacucho.
Vicuña Wool in the Modern World
Vicuña wool is becoming more precious than ever. The government encourages commercial activities involving Vicuña wool to support impoverished families who can earn a livelihood from them.
This will incentivize and empower local communities to protect the dwindling Vicuña population. Today, approximately 200,000 Vicuñas live in this conservation area. Chaccu ceremonies continue in rural communities and are open for tourist visits.
The Vicuña's fleece takes several years to regrow, which is why shearing is typically done only once every 2 years. Each animal yields between 200g to 500g of wool.
A kilogram of Vicuña wool is sold for prices ranging from $399 to $600 USD. Due to its scarce quantity, only 4 tons of Vicuña wool are exported annually to Italy, England, Germany, and the United States. It's no wonder that celebrities and the world's largest fashion brands proudly flaunt coats woven from Vicuña fleece.
Each fiber measures approximately 12 microns, which is 12 thousandths of a millimeter. This indicates an incredibly fine and rare wool, difficult to find. Moreover, they also have the ability to interlock due to their scales. This means Vicuña wool can retain heat and air thanks to its high fiber density.
Cashmere, one of the world's most famous wools, weighs 10 times that of Vicuña wool. If all the reasons above aren't convincing enough that this is the world's most expensive wool, then imagine the lustrous golden hue of Vicuña wool when woven into exquisite coats and garments in your wardrobe—it's truly magnificent.
Reference Amusingplanet
