THE ART OF LUXURY STEWARDSHIP

For centuries, mohair has been known as the ‘Noble’ or the ‘Diamond Fibre.’

It has a lustre that other natural fibers lack and it is one of the most rare and luxurious of all natural fibers. 

For the past 155 years the Hobson family have been farming with Angora goats in the Karoo. 

The Martyrsford Angora Stud is the oldest angora stud in the world, established in 1871. 

It is here that the Hobson family have been tending and caring for their flocks for six generations. 

Through droughts, floods, bust and boom years and everything in between, they have been diligent stewards of the land and all that live on it. 

Sean Hobson, is the current stud master of the Martyrsford Stud and is deeply passionate about the role that natural fibers play in the world. 

Sustainability is one of the true corner stones of the Martyrsford Angora Stud and it shows, because one does not operate a business for 155 years based on unsustainable practices. 

Martyrsford mohair is thus one of the most sustainable luxurious fashion items one can acquire. 

The KAROO RANCHING stores proudly stock Martyrsford Mohair. 

Made from the energy of the sun, rain and plants in the vast expanse of the Karoo region in South Africa, the fleeces of angora goats grow continuously and require shearing every six months. 

The mohair from these fleeces is then processed in the Eastern Cape, about 150km from the farm. 

Here, highly skilled local businesses, craftsmen and women weave this incredible fiber into many forms that will be sent all over the world, to make everything from high-end suits, to beautiful carpets. 

The South African mohair industry is one of the oldest and most established in the world and is widely known as the Mohair Capital of the world.

South Africa produces more than 55% of the world’s mohair and has proven itself as one of the most deserving stewards of this luxurious fibre. 

Should you find yourself lucky enough to own a South African mohair item, consider yourself one of the very few in the world, fortunate enough to own such a special piece of our heritage.

Julie Hobson 

Founder and Owner – KAROO RANCHING Retail (Pty) Ltd