These relatively unknown shy and gentle animals were domesticated over 6000 years ago. They are cloven-hooved mammals from the camelidae family, close cousins of llamas. Alpacas come from South America, where the ancient Incas prized their precious fleece.

The Incas also believed that these mysterious animals possessed supernatural powers and were bestowed on humans by the Earth Mother they called Pachamama. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors exterminated over ninety percent of the original alpaca population, but luckily for the people of the harsh Altiplano plateau, a small number of these amazing animals survived. The number of alpacas has consistently grown over the last 400 years. Currently their population totals about 3 million, of which 99% live in the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

The qualities of alpaca fibre make it simply the best available material for bedding that is both beneficial and durable.

Lightweight, soft, breathable, moisturewicking and uniquely thermoregulatory, alpaca fibre is as luxurious as fine cashmere.

It is, however, six times better at retaining heat and three times more durable than sheep’s wool. It also contains no lanolin.

Unlike many other natural fibres, it requires no chemical treatment or chemical additives. It is simply washed in a mild, unfragranced, environmentally-friendly detergent.