Qiviut (kiv-ee-ute)
The highly valuable underlayer of fur on a Muskox, greatly sought after by Northern Thin.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Qiviut is one of the most valuable wools in the world, soft and warm to keep the Muskox alive through cold winter months. It comes in lightweight greyish-brown tufts that sheds from the Muskox naturally every spring and is gathered by Qealin and indiginous Norwegians. Northern Thin trade frequently with these gatherers, greatly valuing the furs to keep them warm in ice caverns to the point where they are willing to trade in great amounts for the resource.
History & Usage
Everyday use
The Thin use Qiviut in the majority of their clothing, creating wraps and warming cloths that are worn primarily over pulse points on the body to ensure the most efficient warmth, due to the expense and scarcity of the material. Indiginous Norwegians are also willing to trade their furs, however the travel to reach their homes are often trechearous through the mountains on foot and rarely risked unless in dire circumstances.
Refinement
Before the fibers can be used they must first be cleared of foreign matter such as guard hairs, foliage, etc. This can be done magically and usually will be performed by the Qealin before trading as the raw material can go a long way once spun, therefore ensuring greater profits.
Distribution
Trade & Market
The primary seller of Qiviut in Norway are the mountain Qealin, who are able to tame and breed Muskox to collect their fur at an increased rate, though the material is still greatly coveted and the Qealin will only trade it in echange for dangerous favours or expensive materials. The Thin, relying on this resource for their safety in the winter months, will pay this price gladly.
A fun textile arts read! :D