History - Alpaca Legend

The domestication of the alpaca can be traced back to a prehistoric culture that spanned the area now known as Peru and Bolivia. This culture is termed the Tiahuanaco Empire. These ancient people conceived of domesticating the most beautiful animal that Pachacamacc (the Maker of the Universe) had created-the Auchenid. The Auchenid was the Pliocene ancestor of the camelid. The Andean people set out to domesticate the Auchenid into a manageable resource, their efforts began the domestication of llamas and alpacas.

Since their initial domestication, South Americans have held the alpaca in high esteem, as the animals have supported the people of this region for thousands of years. The Incas, Tiawanaka and Wari people refined the practice of raising huge herds of alpaca and llamas and turning their fleece into fine cloth. The Incas referred to woven alpaca as the cloth of the gods, and only Incan royalty was permitted to own or wear it. In spite of this, political turmoil, poaching and hunting has threatened the alpaca with extinction many times throughout history.

Today, the future is bright for alpacas. Our fondness and love of these creatures has brought us together with South American nations and other countries-including Canada, Australia and England-to collaborate on selective breeding and herd management initiatives, as well as new reproductive and medical research that enlists the help of breeders, veterinarians and universities. We look forward to alpacas becoming customary in our agricultural, textile and garment industries.

Come for a visit and take home a Legend.