What is raffia?

In Morocco, if you pronounce the word "raffia", nobody will know what you are talking about, or almost. This is quite surprising considering that most of the raffia shoes produced in the world are made in Morocco. Only a few people of the upper class used to shopping abroad (especially in France) could recognize it. Yes, Moroccans buy their raffia shoe (Made in Morocco) under a foreign brand!

Personally, my first encounter with this material took place in a craft fair in Rabat. The kiosk in question offered less goods than the others and therefore was less attractive, but the hanging fibers, which served as decoration, caught my attention.

"- Salam, what is it?

- Raffia.

- Huh?

- E-r-a-f-f-i-a.

- And what is raffia?

- What you see. A fiber from the raffia tree that comes from Madagascar ... "

My intra-African trip had just begun, and my admiration for this material too ...

Handmade sneakers in raffia (Morocco)

What is raffia?

Raffia is a kind of palm tree that grows mainly in swampy areas. Twenty species are currently known, including Raphia farinifera , a widespread specie in eastern Madagascar (voir image ci-dessous).

(Note: This palm tree vector in PNG format is downloadable for free. If you need it in SVG format, please feel free to request it in the comment below. It is for FREE too!).

What are the derivatives of raffia?

Raffia provides many sustenance products. It is also an excellent source of stems used in construction, while their very large leaves are very good roofing materials; the fibers of their leaves are braided to make basketry products; the mesocarp of the fruit gives an edible oil and in many species the inflorescence is cut to produce palm wine.

What is special about raffia fiber?

Raffia fiber is a flexible and resilient fiber. It is easy to adapt to desired widths because it divides easily. The material has no sharp edges that can hurt the tender parts of the human body, including feet. It is also easily tinted , which makes it suitable for the production of fancy goods.

Handmade raffia flats (Morocco)

Our raffia products: 

- Online shop: https://marketplace.zibbet.com/moroccan-fingerprint
- Online catalogue : https://www.flipsnack.com/CCE7D8DEFB5/brochure-mf-en.html
- Email : moroccanfingerprint@gmail.com
- Phone: +212 6 60 13 36 79.

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