ALPACAS are a vital part of culture in PERU. When the Incas ruled the area 600 years ago, alpacas fleece was a major form of currency, even more important than gold or silver. Instead of fur, alpacas have fleece, which can be spun into wool and used to create various textiles. Alpacas have the largest variation of colours of any other animal with fur. Their natural fleece can be found in 22 different colours, ranging from white to black and many shades of brown and grey in-between. The fleece can also be dyed to create the vibrant colours that are found in Peruvian textiles. Alpacas adorned with brightly coloured tassels and pom poms are often involved in celebrations. In Peru, they even celebrate National Alpaca Day!

Our children created their own smiling alpacas, who all seem to have their own, unique personality!