Artisans in La Paz, Bolivia, chose the rich shades of superfine alpaca wool in this scarf to serve as a reminder of the Altiplano's summer colors during the cold Andean winters. Alpaca wool was once reserved exclusively for Inca royalty, but over the centuries the soft, lightweight, and antistatic, superfine fibers have become a staple of Andean textile tradition. Handwoven of 100% alpaca on simple looms in a contemporary plaid with hand-twisted fringe.

100% alpaca. Handwoven by artisans in Bolivia. 11 3/4''W x 70''L.

Hand-wash or dry clean.

Indigenous people in South America have raised alpaca for its fleece for thousands of years before Europeans learned about the animal and exported alpaca fiber to Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today this domesticated animal is bred throughout the world, but its native habitat is the Andean altiplano: Ecuador, southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile.

Descended from the wild vicuña, alpaca resemble a cross between a llama and a sheep. Its fleece is similar to sheep's wool, but is usually softer, less prickly, and has minimal lanolin content, making it virtually hypoallergenic. Its extreme warmth, relatively light weight, and natural resistance to water make alpaca wool an ideal fabric for the frigid winters of the Andean altiplano. These qualities have also led to a rise in the use of alpaca fiber in outdoor gear and active wear, although it is also easily spun into a fine enough yarn for use in suits and other dress wear.

Most alpaca products can be treated as you would an object made of sheep's wool—hand wash using a mild soap and lukewarm water, or dry clean—but check the tag or manufacturer's instructions for specific instructions.