There’s nothing like cozying up beneath a warm blanket or wearing soft, comfortable fabric. Wool and cotton are two of the most commonly used mediums, and each has its benefits, but the staff at Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative in Anchorage, AK, advise that qiviut offers many advantages that can’t be beaten. Soft, warm, and plush, qiviut is a rare material that creates beautiful items.

What Is Qiviut?

Qiviut (kiv-ee-utt) is the soft inner wool of a musk ox’s undercoat. It’s often compared to down feathers, and it has a variety of qualities that make it perfect for fabric use. It’s extremely strong, more so than sheep’s and other common cattle wools, though is softer than cashmere. It’s harvested when musk ox shed their undercoats in the spring, taken from pelts, or removed from objects that the muskox has molted on.

How Is Qiviut Used?

Because of their durable and comfortable qualities, qiviut is primarily used for luxury hats, scarves, and other winter-wear. It’s extremely difficult to come by, as there are no musk ox farms in the continental U.S. and only a few designated farms in Alaska and the Arctic, making it extremely expensive. Use of qiviut yarn also requires expertise and is often passed down through families. This makes products highly skilled, specialized pieces handcrafted and designed for maximum touchability, warmth, and durability.

The staff at Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative carry on the tradition of qiviut weaving and offer a variety of authentic handmade products, so turn to them for your next purchase. They also carry a wide range of Alaskan native goods drawn directly from their rich culture that are perfect for a gift to a friend or loved one. Call (907) 272-9225 today to speak with a member of their staff and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their workshop, heritage, and products.