The Origins of Mohair

Mohair comes from the Angora goat and originates from Asia.  It can be traced back to biblical times and is mentioned at the time of Moses between 571 and 1451 B.C.

Mohair was a prized and valuable commodity in the early nineteenth century and it was at this time the Angora goat was crossed with the common goat which increased the productivity and yield of mohair whilst still retaining it’s luxurious properties

Angora goats were distributed to different countries around the world, and a pair of Angoras were imported to Europe by Charles V in about 1554. In 1765 the Spanish government imported many goats and twenty years later a considerable number were imported into France. Much later in 1838 Angora goats were taken to South Africa, and from these goats mohair production was established in that country. Today South Africa is one of the three leading mohair-producing nations in the world along with the United States and Turkey.

Mohair Production

The average goat in the United States shears approximately 5 pounds of mohair per shearing and the goats are usually sheared twice a year.  The fibre they produce is very luxurious and long between 12 and 15cm in length.  Mohair is very similar to wool in structure but the main difference is that Mohair has a much smoother surface, which is why it feels so soft.  This also means that it is not as effective for felting.  It’s other properties are that the fibre’s are elastic, have considerable lustre, and dyes very well.

Blog post by English Teddy Bear Artist Amanda Sambrook – http://www.sambrookbears.co.uk/ UK Teddy Bear Supplies.