Earth Tree Fair Trade - 100% Alpaca Wool Hand-Knitted Convertible Neck Warmer/Hat (Navy)

Crafted from 100% alpaca wool, this neck warmer offers exceptional warmth. It's designed for versatility, serving as both a cozy neck wrap and a stylish hat when secured with its drawstring. Plus, it's fully reversible. The geometric pattern and vintage-inspired colors add a touch of unique flair to your ensemble. Compact enough to tuck into your bag, it's the perfect companion for crisp weather. ● Material: 100% Alpaca Wool With a wonderfully smooth and warm texture. Alpaca, a close relative of the camel, grazes in the high plateaus of Peru and Bolivia, at altitudes of 4,000 to 5,000 meters. To protect themselves from harsh natural conditions, including direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, alpacas are covered in incredibly fine fibers. These fibers are rich in natural oils and hollow, much like straws. By trapping warm air within these hollow spaces, they provide outstanding insulation. Alpaca wool products are known for their "moist and smooth feel" due to their high oil content, their "warmth" and "moisture-retaining" properties from their hollow structure, and their excellent durability and wrinkle resistance. ● Production Circle: The artisan who brings these pieces to life is Feliciano, who resides in the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Feliciano hails from Juliaca, a vibrant hub for wool trade situated near the stunning Lake Titicaca at an elevation of 3,825 meters. Knitting is a cherished family tradition, a skill Feliciano learned by watching his mother at work. At 22, he and his wife moved to Lima in pursuit of greater opportunities. Lima's outskirts are a striking landscape of bare, brown mountains dotted with houses painted in a spectrum of vivid colors. Many of these colorful homes were built and are inhabited by people who have journeyed from rural areas seeking work. Feliciano's home and workshop are nestled in a corner of these hills. Feliciano carries forward the rich wool culture and knitting techniques passed down through generations of alpaca herders in the highlands. We believe that collaborating with Feliciano and others like him helps to teach and preserve the art of hand-knitting for the children of Peru and for future generations of artisans. - ● Size (cm): Approximately 26cm (width) x 23cm (length) *Please note that as these are handmade items, there may be slight variations of a few centimeters in the dimensions. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. ● Material: 100% Alpaca Wool ● Origin: Peru **Hand wash with a neutral detergent at home.