Majestic Muskoxen of the Arctic

Janel Laidman


Ovibos moschatus, the arctic Muskox, is a large wooly mammal, related to goats, that lives in the tundra regions of the arctic. Their range covers Northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, and they have also been reintroduced into Northern Europe, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and Russia. At one time the muskox ranged across the plains of North America as far south as Kentucky. Another species of Muskox, the Woodland Muskox (Bootherium bombifrons) was even more plentiful in the plains states, however that species is now extinct. The muskox have been around since the Pleistocene era, the same era in which wooly mammoths and saber toothed tigers roamed the States.

Muskoxen are also called Oomingmak by the Inuit natives of Alaska. The muskoxen have long shaggy coats, horns on both males and females, and a soft downy undercoat that they shed in the spring. This downy undercoat is called Quiviut or Quiviuk by the Inuit and helps protect the Oomingmak in temperatures down to -100 F. The horn of the muskox extends across the forehead forming a hard, thick, plate. This area protects the head of the muskox when they crash heads together during mating season.

The natural predators of the muskox are arctic wolves, grizzly bears, polar bears and humans. Muskoxen roam in herds and their natural defense against predators is to form a circle, facing outward to protect the young inside the circle. Muskox will charge and toss predators with their horns protecting the young members of the herd and wolves or bears are no match for a mature muskox. Unfortunately, this defense does not work so well against man. In the early 1900's the muskoxen were hunted to near extinction. Laws were passed to protect these beautiful animals and now there are free ranging herds across the arctic regions.

Muskoxen are also farmed for their gloriously soft Quiviut undercoat. Quiviut is 8 times warmer than wool by weight and softer than cashmere. Farms raise muskoxen and either groom or collect naturally shed undercoats once a year. The average yield from an adult muskox is about 6 pounds of undercoat. This fiber is then spun into yarns and knit into soft, warm, light and luxurious garments by native Alaskans. In recent years fiber and yarns have also become available to the general public. Spinning Quiviut is like spinning any other down fiber. The fibers are short and lofty and it is best spun with a long draw. Quiviut can be very pricey so it is best used for small luxury items like caps, scarves, cowls and gloves. Once you try this luxurious fiber, you won't want to spin anything else!

Comments

[Peggy in Utah]

It's nice to know that they are free roaming again. I have read that they were near extinction. They are not the most beautiful animal, but their fiber is wonderfully warm, and soft, and a joy to spin. If they bring to this world nothing but their fiber, they are a welcome addition.