Albaca, this cute animal originating from South America, has hair that not only attracts people in appearance, but is also known as the "fiber of the gods" because of its unique fiber quality. People love this fiber for its superior warmth, softness and durability. But do you really know how Albaka’s hair is harvested and the role it plays in the fiber world?
There are two types of albaca: Huacaya and Suri.
Huakaya's hair is fluffy and soft, similar to wool, while Suri's fibers are silky smooth and look like hanging braids.
Most albaka are Huakaya, a type of hair that is dense and elastic, making it ideal for knitting. Suri's hair is even rarer, accounting for only about 10% of the total number of albaca in South America, and is favored by designers for its long and silky characteristics. Many fashion brands such as Armani have used it in the production of men's and women's suits.
As a domestic animal, Albaca has a history of five thousand years. It was first domesticated among ancient tribes in the Andes Plateau. These tribes used their hair for clothing and their meat as a food source. During the Inca Empire, Albaca's hair was known as the "fiber of the gods" and was used in royal clothing.
Every spring, Albakar is shaved. After shaving, the hair is initially washed and sorted, followed by combing. During this process, long, straight guard hairs are separated as they affect the quality of the fiber. Once carded, the fibers can then be spun into knitted wool that can be sold.
Albaka fiber is not only soft but also has excellent heat and water resistance. Therefore, it is greatly favored in outdoor activities.
The hair structure of Albaka is similar to that of wool, but its surface is smooth and breathable. The diameter of high-quality Albaka fiber is between 18 and 25 microns, and the finer the fiber, the higher the price. These fibers are less susceptible to damage during processing, resulting in more durable products.
Albaka fiber can be used in the production of a variety of products, including clothing, carpets, toys, etc. The most common one is sweater, which is loved by consumers because of its warmth and lightness.
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, more and more people are beginning to favor clothing made of Albaka fiber because it is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
With the rise of albaka breeding, the market demand for this fiber is also increasing. Especially in the United States, many small farmers have begun to form cooperatives to reduce production costs and improve the market competitiveness of their products.
The popularity of albaca fiber has not only promoted trade, but also deepened the understanding of this ancient and beautiful animal. From all levels, the existence of Albaka is not only about the choice of clothing, but also the continuation of culture and history.
Are you also attracted by the charm of this natural fiber and want to explore more about the mysteries of Albaka?