A LIVING LEGACY OF THE ANDES
The history of the vicuña is emblematic when it comes to species conservation. This species, once on the brink of extinction, has been revitalized thanks to international efforts led by initiatives such as Incalpaca and Grupo Inca, reflecting not only the natural richness of Peru but also its cultural importance since the beginning of the Inca Empire, making it an ancestral symbol that encapsulates the essence of Andean biodiversity.
The Incas, master weavers, valued the vicuña above all else, creating garments blended with gold threads, exclusive to royalty; using techniques like the "Chaccu" which combined human skill with respect for nature to encircle the animals. However, the arrival of the conquistadors forced vicuñas into the Andean highlands, where they faced centuries of adversity and years of poaching, driving them to the brink of extinction.
In the mid-seventies, with only a few thousand vicuñas remaining, cooperation between Peru and Germany marked the beginning of a remarkable recovery. This alliance, which prohibited the international trade of its fiber, along with reintroducing sustainable shearing practices, allowed the vicuña to resurface. Grupo Inca, through Incalpaca, has been a pioneer in the responsible management of the vicuña, ensuring its survival through organized "Chaccus," and promoting the motto "Shorn vicuña, saved vicuña" as a conservation strategy.
Today, vicuña garments, with their incomparable fineness and thermal properties, are sold in the most exclusive stores worldwide, 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 resurgence has not only safeguarded the vicuña but has also benefited native Andean communities, involving them in its protection and the fiber transformation process, thus ensuring 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. Additionally, find the best products at KUNA: pe.kunastores.com
