This is a set of four suri alpaca coasters by Judy Steele of Polo Field Studio Arts in a lovely reddish burgundy color - perfect for your adult beverage after a long day at the office or on the farm.  

A long time supporter of the Suri Network, Judy bequeathed much of her pottery to the Network at her death, to be used to raise funds for the organization. A very limited number of her pieces will be made available each year while they last - these are truly one of a kind pieces that can never be duplicated!

Suri alpacas are a rare breed indeed - fewer than 10% of the world's alpaca are suri. The Suri alpaca is a member of the camelid family, which includes the llama, Huacaya alpaca, the wild vicuna and guanaco, and yes, the camel. The Suri dates back between 5 to 20 thousand years and is known from archaeological records to have been domesticated for at least 6,000 years.

Among the people of the Andes, the woven fabric from the fleece of the alpaca was so soft and alluring that it was used as currency. The Suri alpaca has unique fiber characteristics that distinguish the Suri from the rest of the camelid family. Unlike the soft fuzzy look of the Huacaya alpaca, the Suri's long, separate, distinctive locks are comprised of twisted or flat fibers that drape down the sides of the Suri's body. The Suri's fiber has a cool, slick hand: soft as cashmere, warmer than wool, with the luster of silk.

Learn more about suri alpacas and the Suri Network at www.surinetwork.org.