An alpaca is somewhat like a llama, only smaller. They belong to the camilid family. They are mild-tempered and inquisitive. Alpacas are native to the high Andes Mountains of South America. Domesticated for centuries by the Inca tribe of Peru, their precious fleece was worn only by royalty. With its buttery soft texture and 22 natural shades, the ancient Incas referred to their fiber as “The Fiber of the Gods”. Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic and incredibly soft on the skin. This fleece is sheared once a year before the "hot" season arrives. Each alpaca yields five to ten pounds of fleece. After minimal preparation, it is ready to be spun into yarn for knitting, crocheting, and weaving. It can also be used to make felt for creating hats, cloth, rugs, moccasins, and other items.