Musk Ox

The Musk Ox, called “Omingmak” by the Inuit, is a unique animal related to goats and the Himalayan Takin. Originally from Siberia, it crossed the Bering Strait some 90,000 years ago, spreading across the circumpolar steppes. Almost driven to extinction due to overhunting in the early 20th century, it was saved by a reserve in Alaska. Its double-layered fleece, with a precious undercoat called “qiviut,” is an exceptional thermal insulator. Qiviut is manually harvested in spring, producing an extremely soft fiber used in artisanal products like gloves and scarves.