musk ox farm
Palmer, AlasKa

What is Qiviut?

 

Qiviut (kiv'-ee-ute) is the soft, downy under-wool grown annually by musk oxen. Qiviut is just one of the many unique adaptations of musk oxen, allowing them to thrive in freezing arctic winters. Musk oxen do not migrate like caribou, instead ranging over a great swath of territory.  Summers are spent in lush river valleys where food is abundant. During the harsh winters, musk oxen inhabit wind-swept tundra, where snow is scoured from their environment, giving access to the meager grasses left behind from the summer. Their outer layer of hair, known as guard hair, protects them from insects and sheds water away from their skin. Beneath, qiviut grows between their toes, up their nose, and everywhere in-between keeping them warm in the coldest of arctic chills (down to -40F!). Qiviut is one of nature's finest fibers with a 12-14 micron count (diameter), approximately thirty percent finer than the richest cashmere. Additionally, because qiviut is shed, not shorn, it is not itchy or scratchy like wool.

 

 

 

Qiviut Characteristics 

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Average Fiber Diameter (AFD) is the single most important characteristic for determining commercial value and end use. AFD is measured in microns. The average qiviut fiber is approximately 12-14 microns. The finer the diameter of the fiber, the higher the value that is placed on the fiber. The staple length of qiviut varies between 3.5-7 cm long. The longer the fiber the easier it is to spin into yarn. 

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How We Collect Qiviut

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Qiviut is naturally shed as temperatures warm up between April and the end of May. Here at the Musk Ox Farm, we comb the musk oxen starting mid-April. All of our oxen are guided to the barn where we lead them into our stanchion for an updated weight and a combing session. We positively reinforce each stanchion visit with flavorful treats and a single combing session can last from five minutes to as much as one hour depending on the comfort displayed by each individual ox. The total amount of qiviut collected from an individual ox's combined combing sessions can weigh anywhere from two pounds to nine pounds depending on the ox! ​

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Processing Qiviut

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After we comb the qiviut from the animals, it is collected into breathable fabric bags until all animals have been combed for the year. The qiviut is then weighed, cycled through a freeze/thaw process and then sent off to the mill. At the mill, qiviut is washed, de-haired, carded, and spun into yarn with a small amount continuing on to be dyed various colors. The finished qiviut yarn is then shipped back to us to sell here at the farm and our online store. Not all qiviut is spun however, as we like to keep a limited amount of "raw" qiviut available for hand spinners, crafters, and small sample bags for purchase.

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​ Qiviut Care Instructions

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Washing

100% qiviut will not shrink in any water temperature. Hand wash your qiviut in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent or shampoo. Wash blended garments in lukewarm or cool water with a small amount of mild detergent or shampoo. Soak your garment without agitating and gently rinse. Lay your garment flat on a towel and roll up to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry completely. 

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Storage

For ultimate protection from moths, place your qiviut in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer when not in use. You can also store qiviut in a cedar chest. 

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