Annette Oelofse Mohair Products

• Great Karoo

New products are continually being developed and can be seen at Annette Oelofse Mohair Shop in Graaff-Reinet, as well as at the Kruisaar Farm Stall in Willowmore.

A new decor range is available as well as a range of fine crocheted mohair blankets in all sizes.The newest range of Hinterveld blankets is also available.

Please visit the store and view their full range of mohair products; Blankets Socks Beanies Gloves Scarves and shawls Poncho`s...and much more.

The Angora goat is thought to originate from the mountains of Tibet making their way to Turkey in the 16th century. However, fabric made of mohair was known in England as early as the 8th century. Raw mohair was first exported from Turkey to England around 1820, which then became the leading manufacturer of mohair. The Yorkshire mills spun yarn that was exported to Russia, Germany, Austria, etc. as well as woven directly in Yorkshire.

Until 1849 the Turkish province of Ankara was the sole producer of Angora goats. Charles V is believed to be the first to bring Angora goats to Europe.

Due to the great demand for mohair fiber, throughout the 1800s there was a great deal of crossbreeding between angora goats and common goats. The growing demand for mohair further resulted in attempts on a commercial scale to introduce the goat into South Africa (where it was crossed with the native goat) in 1838, the United States in 1849, Australia from 1856-1875, and later still New Zealand.

In 1849 Angora goats made their way to America as a gift from Turkey.