Vicuna Fibre
Zoological Information
- The bearer of the golden fleece is Vicuña, and its scientific name is Vicugna vicugna.
- It is the smallest and most agile, wild species of llama.
- They belong to the family – Camelidae and order – Artiodactyla.
- Most of the Vicunas are found in Peru in the Andes mountains, and other small groups of this species are found in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
- It holds a life span of 15-20 years .
- Being a swift and gracious animal, Vicuna is the smallest of all the camelids.
Habitat and fibre production
- These golden animals are found in the semiarid grasslands in the central Andes at altitudes of 3600-4800 metres.
- Vicuñas are sheared once every two years by domesticating the herds for a certain period.
- It is considered a ritual by the communities domesticating this sacred animal, and once the shearing is completed, the herd is allowed to go free in the wild until the next shearing season.
- The hairs are collected from the animal’s lower flanks and neck.
- The annual production of fleece obtained from the vicunas is in a wide range of 5-6 tons and per animal the yield is 0.2 kg .
- In the 19th century, Vicuñas were killed for hair and meat, and there was a drastic fall in their population.
- Due to subsequent conservation efforts, the population of Vicuña has increased to 460,000 by 2020.
Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres
Physical and Mechanical properties
Length
30-50 mm
Diameter
12-15 µm
Fineness
13-14 µm
Chemical composition
Keratin
33%
Dirt
26%
Suint
28%
Fat
12%
Mineral Matter
1%
Features of hair
- Vicuña fibres are strong and resilient.
- The yarns made out of Vicuna hair are finer than that of other hair fibre and is much lighter, softer, warmer than any other hair.
- Also, it is susceptible to chemicals and other harsh substances; thus, it is often used in its natural colour.
- Vicuñas possess long, soft, fine, and lustrous overcoat which varies in colour from light cinnamon to a paler white shade, with long white fleece.
Typical uses
- The fibre obtained is turned into luxurious garments such as high-priced coats, evening gowns, shawls, and other warming apparel.
- Also, winter wear such as overcoats, jackets, scarves, jackets, coats, etc., are produced on a commercial scale by renowned brands.
- The communities caring for these herds make textile articles such as mufflers, shawls, coats, gloves, etc.
- These fibres are used mostly for weaving purposes rather than knitting.
