South Africa prides itself on being the world leader of the mohair industry. Not only do we produce the vast majority of the world’s “noble fibre”, but South African mohair is also widely regarded as the highest quality mohair produced globally. We also pride ourselves as the leaders for sustainability and responsible fibre production across all mohair producing countries.
Mohair, the fleece of the Angora goat, is a versatile and luxurious fibre desired by the world’s fashion elite, and has also found a home in the high-end interior décor industry. It’s inherent lustre and dye affinity, has made it a symbol of exclusivity and beauty, while its resilient and breathable nature speaks to its longevity and multitude of applications.
How did South Africa find itself at the epicentre of this luxury fibre? Purely by chance! Nearly two centuries ago a Turkish sultan sent 12 neutered Angora rams and one ewe to Port Elizabeth as a gift. Unbeknown to him, the ewe was already pregnant and gave birth to a kid ram. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now through decades of trade and painstaking selection, South African Angora stud breeders ensure the purity of the breed to produce only the finest quality mohair.
Mohair producing farms adhere to strict international guidelines to ensure the ethical treatment of their Angora goat herds, including the shearing process which takes place twice a year. Once shorn, the mohair goes through a meticulous sorting and cleaning process before being spun into yarns and other usable forms for its nearly countless applications across the globe.
Thank you to Mohair South Africa for providing us for the information and photographs!
www.mohair.co.za
