THE VICUNA
A LIVING LEGACY OF THE ANDES
The history of the vicuña is emblematic when it comes to species conservation. This species, once on the verge of extinction, has been revitalized thanks to international efforts led by initiatives such as Incalpaca and the Inca Group, reflecting not only the natural wealth of Peru but also its cultural importance at the beginning of the Inca Empire, making it an ancestral symbol that encapsulates the essence of Andean biodiversity.
The Incas, master textile workers, valued the vicuña above all else, creating garments mixed with gold threads, exclusive to the nobility; using techniques such as "Chaccu" where human skill was combined with respect for nature to fence the animals. However, the arrival of the conquistadors excluded the vicuñas from the Andean heights, where they faced centuries of adversity as well as years of poaching, bringing them to the brink of extinction.
By the mid-1970s, with only a few thousand vicuñas remaining, cooperation between Peru and Germany marked the beginning of a remarkable recovery. This alliance, which banned the international trade of its fiber, along with reintroduced sustainable shearing practices, allowed the vicuña to re-emerge. The Inca Group, through Incalpaca, has pioneered responsible vicuña management, ensuring its survival through organized “Chaccus,” and promoting the slogan “Vicuña sheared, Vicuña saved” as a conservation strategy.
Today, vicuña garments, with their incomparable fineness and thermal properties, are sold in the most exclusive stores in the world, symbolizing the union of tradition and sustainability. Grupo Inca, heir to a rich textile heritage, continues this work, offering through KUNA, garments that celebrate the "Gold of the Andes", keeping the legend of the vicuña alive today.
This revival has not only safeguarded the vicuña, but has also benefited Andean native communities, involving them in its protection and the fiber transformation process, thus ensuring a fair income and contributing to the social and economic fabric of the region.
Grupo Inca invites the world to discover the history and value of the vicuña, a treasure that unites humanity with nature in a relationship of mutual respect and harmony. Visit www.grupoinca.com to explore more about how this ancient textile tradition contributes to a sustainable future. Also, find the best products at KUNA: pe.kunastores.com
