A Yarn with a Story: Hand-Spun Llama Wool from Argentina

In the province of Catamarca, in the northwest of Argentina, lives Armando Escalante, a dedicated llama herder who, together with his family, has built his life around these noble animals. For generations, his family has been working with llamas, the largest South American camelid, caring for them and for the land they inhabit. His llamas roam freely across the high puna at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, grazing on native vegetation in their natural environment. To protect both the land and the herd, Armando carefully rotates them from one area to another and monitors their health to ensure they thrive.

When the mothers are expecting, they are brought to the farm, a safe place where they can give birth and care for their young. The crias stay with their mothers for about a year before returning to the freedom of the mountains.

The work of the Escalante family covers the entire production chain: after moving the animals to lower areas, they shear them and then prepare the fiber, which is used for a variety of purposes. With these fibers, they create traditional woven fabrics such as entelares, boinas (a characteristic hat of rural Argentina), and other finished products, including hand-dyeing and hand-spinning.

Armando’s llamas carry a wide range of natural colors—from cream and gray to rich browns and deep blacks—reflecting the beauty of the Andean landscape. More recently, they have also begun working with vicuña, considered the finest animal fiber in the world.

Through this collaboration, Villama is able to share a piece of Argentina with Finland, and with every country where knitters and creators value the warmth and authenticity of natural llama wool.

There is no llama wool more authentic than that which comes directly from the mountains of Argentina, where the animals live freely and are cared for with respect. By choosing these products, you are not only embracing the beauty of natural materials, but also supporting small farmers, artisans, and sustainable practices.

From all of us at Villama, thank you for being part of this journey and for helping to keep these traditions alive.

— Villama