Hand-combed Qiviut

musk ox
source

Interweave's article on qiviut fiber is intriguing. As one of the most luxurious and expensive fibers in the world, qiviut has sometimes been called the “golden fleece of the arctic.” It is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than almost any other fiber.

Unlike sheep, musk oxen are not sheared to harvest their fleece - experienced handlers comb the animals every spring when they’re shedding down naturally.

Read more about qiviut here.