Alpacas, which have been domesticated for thousands of years, have provided countless uses for their owners, worldwide. Though they are often mistaken for llamas or camels, alpacas are a distinct species with their own history and uses. However, it was not until 2001 that the alpaca was officially granted a different genus classification from a llama.
The species from which alpacas are derived are called South American Camelids. Camelids are distinguished by their large bodies, long necks, and two-toed padded feet. Furthermore, all camelids are herbivores, and when they walk, both legs on the same side move in sync with one another. The distinctive qualities of all camelids are the reason for the similarities between alpacas, llamas, and camels.
Though camelids hail from all over the world, including Asia and the Middle East, alpacas specifically originate from South America. The earliest camelids date back an astonishing 45 million years. However, the camelids did not migrate to South America until about 3 to 4 million years ago. Alpacas as we know them today are thought to have been created through selective breeding only about 6,000 years ago. Though many early versions of the South American Camelids are now extinct, the alpaca, and its closest cousin, the vicuña, have survived.
Modern alpaca were bred to be useful to their owners for a variety of purposes. In Peru and surrounding areas, from about 3500 BC, alpaca fibers were used for clothing. When woven or knitted, the alpaca fibers turn into a textile similar to wool. These ancient cultures also used alpaca meat for food.
In slightly more modern times, from about 100 AD to 800 AD, the Moche people thrived in the northern regions of Peru. This network of individuals provided us with another use of alpacas, artwork. Not only did Moche art often feature the alpaca, but it also used alpaca wool to create woven artistic textiles.
Historical Uses for Alpacas
These historical uses for alpacas were most common until the rise of the Inca Empire somewhere around the 13th Century. Incas passionately bred and maintained alpacas and a variety of other camelids. They even sorted the animals based on their characteristics. With the growth of the Incan culture came another use for alpacas – worship. According to ancient legends, alpacas were seen as a gift from Mother Earth, or Pachmana. The Incan people took great care of the alpacas, for fear that Mother Earth would take them away if her gift was not utilized properly.
Of course, the Incas also continued the tradition of using alpaca fibers for textiles. They built upon this history by creating everything from bridges to roofs and currency with alpaca fleece. Even armies were paid with alpaca textiles. Sadly, after the Spanish invasion of Inca territories, many alpaca herds were killed or released by the conquering armies due to their significance to Incan culture. Though the end to the meticulous Incan alpaca breeding was tragic, the value of alpacas would be rediscovered in the 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution.
Find Out More About Alpacas
To learn more about our alpacas, ask your breeding questions, or board your alpaca with us, contact Breezy Hill today.