Posts
M
is for Musk Ox
by
Lynn Hamann
Alaska's
town of Deadhorse where the Dalton Highway ends near the Arctic Ocean
is one of the homes of wild
Musk
Ox in the USA. Each year when the musk ox molt, their fiber is
collected from the ground and the bushes. It can take years to
collect enough fiber to process (600 lbs / 272 kgs) But there is
another way to collect the fiber. I'll tell you about it later in
this article. Musk ox are also in other parts of Alaska.
The
musk ox boasts a double layer coat. The undercoat is the softest,
strongest and warmest of fibers, but even the long outer layer is
soft. The fiber from the musk ox is very expensive. Its value is that
it can withstand any temperature in water without shrinking, but the
trade-off is that it's not good for felting. Never mind, because the
fiber is softer
than cashmere,
and stronger
and warmer than sheep wool.
This sumptuous fiber is called QIVIUT,
and
is pronounced KIV-ee-et.
Most
qiviut is reserved for the Alaskan natives for use in their Oomingmak
Musk Ox Producers' Cooperative in Palmer, AK. Knitters create
handmade hats, scarves and other clothing. It is very popular for its
warmth and softness and often purchased for gifts. A qiviut scarf can
go for over USA $300.00, though it will last forever.
The
Musk Ox Project to domesticate Musk Ox was started in the 1960s on a
farm in Fairbanks, AK and is still there. An adult muskox can produce
four to seven pounds of qiviut a year. Most commercial qiviut comes
from Canada, but Alaska's wild and domesticated musk oxen continue to
produce, though in smaller quantities for sale to others.
During
the molt the qiviut loosens from the animal's skin and pulls away
slightly. At this stage of the molt, the undercoat is a short and a
uniform distance from the skin. It's time for combing the qiviut from
the animal in a single large sheet.
This is the best way to collect the musk ox fiber. It's possible to
do it this way because qiviut is much drier than sheep wool with only
7% oils.
Because
my husband (working in Alaska) and I were looking for a stockist for
qiviut in order to replenish Dean M's supplies, we started
researching the pre-historic looking musk ox and it's fiber. I am
sharing some of what I learned here. Dear husband found a wonderful
place to buy qiviut. Best of all, Dean approves of the quality of
their qiviut. Click on their link . For more information on QIVIUT,
click on these links:
http://sheeptoshawl.com/qiviut-fiber-yarn-and-knitted-items/
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