The ostrich palaces of Oudtshoorn are a common sight in the Klein Karoo town. The great feather boom began in 1870 with ostrich feathers being exported at around 450 000 kilograms a year. The fashions of Europe demanded more and more feathers, inspiring a growth in the industry and record prices in international markets. The consequences of the boom meant that ostrich farmers experienced a new level of opulence, and were able to build beautiful mansions made of sandstone. Sadly the feather boom

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Size: 6520px × 5074px 6.9cm × 5.4cm - 2400dpi
Location: South Africa, South Africa
Photo credit: © Obie Oberholzer / AfriPics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: karoo, klein karoo, ostrich palace, ostriches, oudtshoorn, western cape, south africa