Qiviut

Photo from White Falcon, White Wolf  Musk Ox of the Arctic

The musk oxen has a two-layered coat, and qiviut refers specifically to the soft under-wool beneath the longer outer guard hairs. The musk oxen sheds this layer of wool each spring known as Qiviut. Qiviut is combed from their coat during the molt or gathered from objects the animals have brushed against.  Qiviut is an amazing fiber, it is like cashmere or a super fine merino wool.  Light, incredibly soft and very warm.

There is a herd of 22 musk oxen at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Large Animal Research Station and each year they comb the qiviut from the animals and sell the fibers to local hand weavers.

They have put together a YouTube video showing how the process works.  It is entertaining and educational plus we know the young lady, Emma (in the green shirt), who is doing the work in the video.  Go Emma! Nice to see you!

Enjoy your week ahead and all the joy each summer day may bring your way!