ABOUT HOGSBACK

HOGSBACK'S ORIGINS
The name Hogsback was taken either from Captain Hogg in the British army based here inthe 1880's, or more likely, from the shape of the 3 mountains which overlook the village. These stunning looking mountains are topped by rocky ridges whiich resemble the bristles on a hog's back.

THE TOLKIEN CONNECTION
With its gorgeous forests, waterfalls, flowers and mountains, Hogsback has an atmosphere of pure fantasy; and there are several place names derived from Tolkien's books - Hobbiton-On-Hogsback and Bag End (the official name of the hostel's property) to name a few. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, and his family reportedly visited Hogsback in the early 1900's when he was a child. His nanny also came from here and is said to have told him scary stories of the giant flying snake which, according to Xhosa legend, lives in the bowels of Hog Three mountain and which, from time to time, manifests itself as a tornado. While serving in the RAF, Tolkien's son Christopher was stationed in nearby Queenstown and visited Hogsback several times, sending back sketches and descriptions of the mountains and forests, which are more than likely to have contributed towards the J.R.R Tolkien fantasy creation, Middle Earth.

HOGS & HORSES - THE PICASSO CONNECTION
You're bound to meet a roadside Hog seller if you take a walk through the village. These unique, painted clay figurines have been made in Hogsback for many years to the same design. South African artist Walter Battis (creator of Fook Island) kept up a long correspondence with Pablo Picasso, and in the early 1960's visited him, taking along some hogs & horses. Picasso is said to have been most impressed, asking, "How does an Etruscan horse end up in Africa?" and pronouncing them the most interesting artifacts to have come from the continent. If one looks at some of the artist's work of the period, it is easy to believe that the Hogsback figurines had a strong influence on him.

STARWAYS POTTERY
Master Potter Anton van der Merwe offers visitors a unique experience at Starways. Anton is highly-regarded in artistic circles, producing contemporary pieces through normal firing techniques, as well as through rare wood-burning processes, including Raku. Visitors are encouraged to relax with a free cup of tea or coffee while exploring his charming studio, and may be lucky enough to see the artist at work. Raku events are organised subject to group size.

MAFIKA POTTERY
Set up by Anton's students, the Mafika Pottery produces pots, cups, saucers and more with flair! Visitors are welcome to browse around their studio and shop.

THE ECCA POETS
This collaboration of friends (Cathal Lagan, Brian Walter, Quentin Hogg and Norman Morrissey) has been together for over 20 years. They're the recipients of numerous poetry prizes and have published at least one collection each year since 1989. Free workshops in creative writing are offered to anyone interested.

THE EC0-SHRINE
Artist Diana Graham guides visitors around her famous Voices Of The Earth Eco-shrine, as well as giving tours of her studio.

THE LABYRINTH
Hogsback is home to one of the world's largest labyrinths. It has eleven circuits, with a circumference of over 90 metres and a pathway of 700 metres, and is similar in design to the one at Chartres, France.

ST PATRICK'S ON THE HILL
A lovely little chapel (the second smallest in Africa), popular as a wedding venue.