Link to: International Year of Natural Fibres 2009: Mohair
Link to: Current information about Mohair


Wikipedia: Mohair – Ankara Keçisi


Mohair Facts:

“Mohair” is derived from Arabic (mukhayyar, a goat’s hair cloth). The goat in question, the Angora (Capra hircus) is thought to have originated in Tibet. Turkey was the centre of Mohair textile production before the goat was introduced, during the 19th century, to southern Africa and the USA. The Turkey Angora goats (Ankara keçisi) are shorn twice a year and yield from 3 to 5 kg of Mohair.

Mohair’s diameter ranges from 23 microns at first shearing to 38 microns in older animals. Light and insulating, its tensile strength is significantly higher than that of merino wool. Like wool, Mohair has surface scales, but they are thinner, making it smooth to the touch. Light reflected from the surface gives Mohair a characteristic lustre.

Current world output of Mohair is estimated at around 5 000 tonnes a year, down from a high of 25 000 tonnes in the 1990s, when the fibre ranked second only to wool. South Africa accounts for 60% of total production.

Source: FAO 2009 and DNFI 2020