The Malagasy handicraft
The traditional handicrafts of Madagascar have experienced a great expansion linked to the development of the tourist industry on the island. Among its main expressions, we will particularly point out the fabrics, the woods and the jewelry.
Recuperation: through the magic of the skill of poor craftsmen, Coke and Flytox cans are transformed into Harley-Davidson, taxi-bikes or Air Madagascar planes. The result? Always cheerful colors - blue, green, red, yellow - and a treasure trove of invention. Originally, they were creations of the homeless of Antananarivo. Today, their toys are famous and will delight the people to whom you will offer them, young or old. The trade of tinsmith, which disappeared here a long time ago, still has a bright future ahead of it.
The "antemoro" paper. Paper manufactured according to ancient processes, rediscovered by the Frenchman Pierre Mathieu at the beginning of the 20th century. The company he founded in Ambalavao is still operating. This paper, ecru white in color, thick and grainy, is entirely handmade and then dried. It is then used for bindings, envelopes, lampshades..
The "Zafimaniry" art. This is the traditional woodwork of a tribe of the Highlands, near Ambositra: the craftsmen make carved doors, armchairs with two sides, blowpipes... The progressive disappearance of the forest seriously threatens the perenniality of this magnificent art which has for a long time exceeded the borders of the country.
Some ideas of souvenirs to bring back from your trip
Fabrics: silk lamba (finely embroidered stoles), embroidered tablecloths (beautiful in Nosy Be, Hell-Ville), silk paintings.
T-shirts: among the souvenirs to bring back, Madagascar T-shirts are of excellent quality and offer a wide variety of choices, such as landscapes, lemur images and "naïve" paintings. Available in markets, some hotels and all major retailers. Three brands stand out for the creativity of their designs: Baobab Company, Maki Company, Tishanàka and Carambole.
Carved woods: aloalo, statuettes, rosewood boxes, armchairs, furniture, boat models, musical instruments (valiha, kabosy...), traditional games, chairs, chests... You will also see reproductions of Tintin albums covers (and probably one, in Madagascar, which never existed) or Asterix. It is especially in Ambositra, on the road to the south that you will find them.
Basketry: on the island, many objects are made of vegetable material : raffia, rush, palm tree, coconut tree... To find : very beautiful hats, baskets, mats..
Peppers, spices, vanilla: gourmet friends, you are in paradise! Green, white, black or wild pepper (the best in our opinion), pink berries, chili, curry, cloves, coriander, paprika, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, combava, nutmeg... Also achards, and of course vanilla! In Madagascar, spices are omnipresent, and amateurs will be able to buy a very complete assortment at the Analakely market, in Antananarivo. Enough to spice up your daily life, even long after your trip..
Chocolate: Robert's chocolate factory is rightly the most famous in the Big Island. Before leaving, you can stock up on cocoa powder for breakfast, or original bars to accompany coffee, in one of its shops-tea rooms in Antsirabe, Tamatave, Antananarivo, at Ivato airport or in Tuléar. We also had a crush on Tsara chocolate (the must-have dark chocolate-orange) available in supermarkets.
Cut stones: there are all shapes and colors, from the crystal egg to the solitaire game where each ball is a rare stone from Madagascar: agate, onyx, ruby, emerald, quartz... A beautiful gift summarizes the mineral wealth of the Big Island: the rosewood solitaire where each ball is made of a different mineral.
If you buy stones (emeralds ready to be set, polished and cut stones), note that the merchant will have to give you a certificate which can be requested at the customs.
Gold or silver jewelry: necklaces, bracelets (to see, those of the Antandroy in the South), earrings, pearls. You can find very beautiful reproductions of the jewelry worn by the queens of Madagascar.
In Antananarivo
At the markets of the capital, handicrafts are sold at a higher price than in the places of production. But as it is more convenient to buy your souvenirs just before taking the plane, the markets of Tana are sometimes essential stops. You can find very beautiful pieces, original gifts. We will kindly wrap your large purchases in jute cloths. Ask for an invoice, in case you get into trouble at the customs, even if these hassles are less common nowadays.
In Antananarivo, the craftsmen are grouped in several poles. We appreciate the big market of Andravoahangy. The art of recovery is exposed mainly on the Independence Square. The most creative jewelers are in Antaninarenina.
Tips for the road
Remember that Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been, like many other countries, greatly impacted by the health crisis. Your purchases from the locals will be a significant support for the local economy, especially if you buy directly from the artisans or producers. If you negotiate, always do it with a smile, and be aware that, even if you pay a little more than expected, you will never really lose and the seller will gain a lot!
Please note: the vast majority of handicrafts must be placed in the hold to pass through customs, including wooden objects and zebu horns. Note that the export of authentic funerary statues and antiques is prohibited. Reconstructed aepyornis eggs are also prohibited for export, as is paleontological heritage in France.
