More than an it bag, an essential. A resistant carry all in natural raffia braiding, hand made in Madagascar from the house of Sōnge. Photo courtesy Sōnge. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette

Paris, France — Raffia palm trees produce an exceptionally high quality natural fiber that can be used in making sturdy twine and rope, eye-catching baskets and placemats and unique-looking, sturdy accessories, notably hats and handbags for summertime. These palm trees are mainly native to tropical regions of Africa, especially Madagascar  where the species Raphia farinifera thrives, producing extremely high-quality fibers. And it is precisely in Madagascar where the hand-weaving  of raffia goes beyond the state of craft to attain that of art. It is an ancestral art transmitted from generation to generation with the Malagasy craft artists mastering the weaving, braiding and crocheting techniques that are essential to handcrafting authentic raffia goods and objets. 

A bag and hat in raffia from the French house of Sōnge, handcrafted by master weavers in Madagascar, are simple luxuries, just what the summer ordered. The very wearable and resistant items were designed by the house’s founder Nathalie and are available from their on-line shop. The house, specialized in easy to wear fashions, was founded 10 years ago in 2015. Special to The Gourmet Gazette https://songe-lab.com/