Suri Alpaca 101
Suri fiber locks, made up of high-luster fibers, drape down the sides of the body in a twisted or flat form of various size. Suri fiber has a slick hand and softness with an exquisite luster. Suri fiber is in demand and consistently brings a premium price in the fiber market. Suri alpacas emanate extraordinary vigor, intelligence, ease of breeding, and adaptability to hot and cold climates. These attributes rank high on the list of many reasons for treasuring Suri alpacas.
History of Suri Alpacas
It is known from archaeological records that alpacas have been domesticated for 6,000 years. Early depictions of Suri alpacas dating from between 5 and 20 thousand years ago can only be found on the western slopes of the Andes mountains in Peru.
The Suri appears as a distinct breed in pre-Colonial textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The word “suri” appears to originate from the Aymara language, and according to world-renowned alpaca expert Dr. Julio Sumar, refers to the lustrous quality exhibited by the feathers of a South American cousin of the Ostrich. Suri alpacas were first brought to the United States in 1991. Importations have brought Suri alpacas 
from Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, giving U.S. breeders access to genetic material from all three countries in South America that produce Suri alpacas.
Today, breeders of North American alpacas enjoy the best bloodlines from South America, providing an excellent livelihood and lifestyle with the beautiful and rare Suri.
Suri Fiber is used for …
- High fashion fabric for men’s and women’s designer clothing
- Luxury apparel, coats, suits, sweaters, evening wear, lingerie and unique
- Decorator items
- Specialty interior fabrics and textiles