Domestication+and+Cottage+Industry


 * = Domestication = ||  ||
 * Alpacas are long-necked furry (cuddly) creatures that are raised for their warm and luxurious fleece. They are members of the camel family, but actually have much more appeal than camels ordinarily do. Alpacas have lived in South America for thousands of years, but were among the first animals domesticated by man. They have been domesticated now for more than 5,000 years. Alpacas first came to the United States in 1984. ||  || [[image:gtn_alpaca.jpg]] Photo from: http://www.goldentouchnaturals.com ||
 * Not only are they often sought for their companionship, as pets, but their fur is collected, dyed and woven into clothing, blankets and other useful items. There are many alpaca farms through-out the United States. One warning - They do SPIT at people who annoy them, so look out! ||  ||
 * [[image:tote.jpg]] Photo from: [|http://www.goldentouchnaturals.com] ||  ||

|| ||  || Examples of fashions made from alpaca fur can be seen at: [|Inca Fashions], [|Etniko] or even at [|Golden Touch Naturals]
 * =//Shear's To You!! //= ||  ||   ||
 * There are many incredible creations made from alpaca fleece. It is extremely soft and can be used in many different ways. Most popular are sweaters, jackets, and outerwear because the fleece provide great warmth! Alpacas are sheered once per year and anywhere from three to ten pounds of fleece can be gotten from a sheering. Photo from: http://www.goldentouchnaturals.com
 * There are many incredible creations made from alpaca fleece. It is extremely soft and can be used in many different ways. Most popular are sweaters, jackets, and outerwear because the fleece provide great warmth! Alpacas are sheered once per year and anywhere from three to ten pounds of fleece can be gotten from a sheering. Photo from: http://www.goldentouchnaturals.com

OR - if you want to immerse yourself - go to a Bed and Breakfast and run with alpacas. Take a look at http:www.safehavenalpaca.com