Since oldest times, the vicuña has been a symbol of luxury, respect for nature, and Andean textile mastery. Considered the “golden fiber” of the Andes, its softness and rarity made it a privilege reserved exclusively for Inca royalty.
Today, centuries later, its essence continues to captivate those who seek the extraordinary in the world of yarns.
The Wild Jewel of the Andes
The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is one of the most emblematic South American camelids and a wild animal that lives at altitudes above 3,800 meters.
Unlike its domesticated relatives like the alpaca or llama, the vicuña remains a free creature, protected due to its delicate existence and the immense value of its fiber—considered the finest in the world.
With a fiber diameter between 12 and 13 microns, vicuña fiber is naturally soft, warm, and lightweight.
Its natural golden-ochre color needs no dye to shine. Every strand carries the identity of its origin: the Andean highlands.
From Ancestral Ritual to Conscious Luxury
During the Inca Empire, the collection of vicuña fiber was a sacred ritual known as the chaccu. It was a communal ceremony of respect for nature, where wild vicuñas were gently herded, sheared with utmost care, and then released.
Only the Inca and his court were allowed to wear this fiber, making it a symbol of power, purity, and spiritual connection to Pachamama.
Today, these practices have been revived and are now sustainably regulated by high Andean communities.
The protection of the vicuña has not only enabled its recovery as a species but also revived a tradition that values fiber over volume, prioritizing ethics and animal welfare.
Amano and Vicuña Fiber: Elegance Woven with Respect
At Amano Yarns, we understand the historical and ethical value of this fiber. That is why our vicuña yarns are crafted in Peru with respect for the animal's natural cycle, ensuring traceability and conservation throughout the process.
Each skein in our vicuña collection reflects the purity of the highlands, the legacy of centuries of history, and the dedication of communities deeply connected to their environment.
Our yarns celebrate not only the fineness of the fiber, but also its timeless character.
Vicuña fiber is carefully processed by hand, avoiding aggressive methods to preserve its natural softness, warmth, and original structure.
Weaving History Between Your Fingers
Working with vicuña fiber is both a sensory and emotional experience. Its touch is as soft as a feather, and its lightness allows for the creation of garments with fluid drape and effortless sophistication.
This is not just a fiber for knitting—it is an ancient story extended into every piece.
Whether used in shawls, scarves, or exclusive sweaters, vicuña fiber does not seek the spotlight through bright colors or flashy designs, but through its purity and origin.
Its natural tones evoke the Andean landscapes, from the golden sands of the highlands to the hues of the sky over the puna.
Responsible Exclusivity
Only 150 to 250 grams of vicuña fiber can be harvested per animal every two to three years. For this reason, its production is limited and its value high.
But in a time when the definition of luxury is evolving, choosing vicuña is also a way to express conscious consumption—one that values quality, origin, and the positive impact on rural communities.
Through our collections, we invite our customers and designers to create not only beautiful pieces, but lasting legacies.
Knitting with vicuña is to embrace Andean tradition, promote respect for wild fauna, and wear the best that the earth has to offer.
