The Satrana
This is another type of palm tree typical of Madagascar, which can be used to make a multitude of objects. The finish is smoother and shinier than raffia. The natural color is between light gray and off-white. It can have some green nuances. This fiber dyes a little less than raffia, due to its smooth appearance which absorbs less color.
During our trip in April 2023, we walked along long trails lined with these palm trees.
The whole leaves are dried and used to make the roofs of the small houses that can be seen everywhere in the northwest, towards Mahajanga.
Beach umbrellas are also made with this palm, which is strong, durable and insulates from the rain.
The community workshop we work with in Mahajanga works with raffia and satrana. The artisans specialize in one or the other of these plant fibers.
The whole satrana palm is used for the roofs of houses.
It can also be braided to make mats, like very light rugs to unroll and place on the floor to work.
For suspensions, we use the kira, the hard part of the leaf.
It is braided like cane, it is the garaba stitch, which means the star stitch.
Julia is particularly productive and makes around ten lampshades per week!
These lampshades were present in a very beautiful accumulation in the magnificent hotel 45 minutes by road from Mahajanga, at the end of the world, where we were lucky enough to stay.
