Wooden Alpaca, Llama, Vicuña (One by one)

Alpaca (Left) Its name comes from the Quechua “allpaqa, paqu”. It is genetically related to the Vicuña and the Llama, but it lives at lower altitudes than the former ones. Its fleece is less expensive than the Vicuña’s but more expensive than the Llama’s. The original size is similar to its relative the Vicuña, although, it has a more robust body. This wooden carved piece captures the differential characteristics from its relatives (Alpaca and Llama), for example the increase in hair volume around the neck and at the height of the legs. Some varieties like the Alpaca Suri (our wooden piece) have long hair. This wooden sculpture is 16.5 cm in height, 11 cm in wide and 4.5 cm thick. Llama (Middle) The Llama was originally used by the Incas as an animal for transporting things, they also used their hair to make clothes and “chullos-hats”. It is taller than the Vicuña and the Alpaca. This beautiful wooden piece represents more than the animal itself but the Inca’s culture since it also includes a bag on its back. It is 10.5 cm in height, 8 cm in wide and 4.5 cm thick. Vicuña (Right) Its name comes from the Quechua “wik'uña”. It is one of the native herbivores of the Andean Altiplano of Peru above 4000 m.a.s.l.. Its fleece is one of the finest fibers in the world. The original size is small compared to Llamas and Alpacas, around 85 cm tall. Economically, its fiber is expensive costing around 500 USD the kilogram. This perfectly carved wooden Vicuña represents the authentic art of Peruvian artisans who carefully translate the gifts from the Andes Mountains into masterpieces. It is fine and slim as the original animal with 14 cm height, 8 cm wide and 3.5 cm volume. Its front hair right under the neck before the beginning of the front legs plays an important survival role in the life of this beautiful creature, it protects her from the cold weather while resting.