Quck answer
The gold of the Andes refers to the precious metal found in the mountain ranges of South America, primarily in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. These regions are known for their rich deposits of gold, which have attracted miners and explorers for centuries. The gold of the Andes holds significant cultural and historical importance, as it has been used by indigenous civilizations for ornamental purposes and as a symbol of wealth and power. Today, it continues to be mined, contributing to the economies of these countries and serving as a valuable resource in the global market.
Have you ever worn garments made from wool? Maybe a pair of cozy socks? Or a scarf? Perhaps even a winter coat? Many individuals utilize wool clothing to keep warm in cold weather.
Today we are going to discover the most rare and expensive wool in the world. We will need to travel to South America, deep into the heart of the Andes Mountains. What is the exceptional animal we are searching for? It is a relative of the llama known as the vicuña!
The vicuña is a type of camelid. Some scientists believe it is the predecessor of the modern alpaca. Where can you find a vicuña? They inhabit the high plains of the Andes Mountains. They can be found in Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile.
Peru has the largest population of vicuñas in the world. In fact, they are the national animal of the country. The vicuña even appears on the Peruvian coat of arms.
Vicuñas are renowned for their fine, soft, and warm wool. However, they only produce about one pound of it per year. The animals can only be sheared once every three years. And to do so, they must be captured from the wild. This makes their wool very rare and valuable.
The ancient Incas understood the worth of vicuña wool. They made it a law that only royalty could wear garments made from vicuña wool! Vicuñas have been protected by laws since the time of the Incas.
Just how valuable is vicuña wool? It is extremely valuable! Vicuña wool can be as expensive as $3,000 per yard. This results in very pricey garments. A vicuña scarf could cost $1,500, while a coat could exceed $20,000!
In 1974, the vicuña was declared an endangered species. At that time, there were only about 6,000 of them remaining in the wild. Since then, scientists have worked diligently to protect the animals. Today, they estimate that there are well over 350,000 wild vicuñas living in the Andes Mountains.
Vicuña wool is renowned for being extremely fine, yet very warm. The small, hollow fibers are filled with air. They also have tiny scales. These enable them to easily interlock, trapping air to form an insulating layer beneath the fibers. Their wool keeps vicuñas warm on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. When used to make clothing, their wool creates soft, warm items.
Shearing vicuñas has been a communal process since the time of the Incas. Entire communities would come together to perform a ritual known as chacu. Many people would herd hundreds of thousands of vicuñas into special funnel traps. This allowed them to be sheared and then released back into the wild.
The ancient Incas held spiritual beliefs about vicuñas. They believed that the animals were reincarnations of young women who had been bestowed coats made of pure gold. This legend, along with the rarity of vicuña wool, led to it being called the “gold of the Andes.”
Today, the government of Peru officially supports chacu. This ensures that vicuñas are sheared and returned to their natural habitat. However, poaching and illegal shearing still occur. Hopefully, one day the animals can live without the threat from people seeking their valuable wool.
Give It a Try
Are you ready to expand your knowledge about the vicuña? Engage in one or more of the following activities alongside an adventurous companion:
- Have you ever had the chance to visit the Andes? Embark on a virtual journey today through this captivating photo gallery. Can you spot a vicuña? What other intriguing sights do you notice? Would you like to explore the Andes in person one day? Share your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Peru boasts the largest population of vicuñas in the world. Discover more about the Republic of Peru. Afterwards, create a poster that educates others about this nation. Include at least one image and five fascinating facts about Peru.
- The fabric crafted from vicuña hair has earned the moniker “the gold of the Andes.” This nickname signifies its rarity and value. What do you personally consider to be extremely precious? Actual gold? Diamonds? Precious gemstones? Rare metals? Coins? Paper currency? Quality time with loved ones? The admiration of others? Invent a nickname that reflects your locality and write a brief description that applies it to something you hold dear. For instance, if you reside in Colorado, the “gold of the Rockies” might refer to special skiing trips you enjoy with friends and family. Your valuables will be unique to you, so express their significance in a way that helps others fully comprehend their importance and why they matter to you. Enjoy sharing your values with others!
Sources of Wonder
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicu%C3%B1a (accessed 08 Oct. 2020)
- http://www.ultimateungulate.com/artiodactyla/vicugna_vicugna.html (accessed 08 Oct. 2020)
- http://www.departures.com/articles/vicuna-the-worlds-rarest-fabric (accessed 08 Oct. 2020)
- http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/vicuna.htm (accessed 08 Oct. 2020)
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