Malagasy crafts in the spotlight in the capital
Audio 01:27
Know-how transmitted from generation to generation in Madagascar, craftsmanship is a sector that includes 450,000 professionals throughout the island.
© Laetitia Bezain/RFI
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
The 10th edition of Kanton'i Gasikara, a fair that highlights the know-how of Malagasy craftsmen and products "made in" Madagascar, closed its doors this Saturday, December 3 in Antananarivo, the capital.
450,000 artisans are listed throughout the island.
The sector has potential, a ministry is even dedicated to it, but it is struggling to develop.
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
Laetitia Bezain
Weaving of silk or raffia, embroidery, leather and wood work... on the stalls, scarves, bags, vases or even sandals... products of this know-how transmitted from generation to generation have taken over the stalls.
Nomenjanahary Randrianiaina, son of craftsmen from Manakara, in the east of the country, is one of the organizers of this fair: "
We set up events like this so that Malagasy work and quality products do not fall into oblivion.
This enhances our craftsmanship and our culture.
Many of us have this know-how, but in my opinion, our sector lacks support.
Today, there are many professional artisans who make very beautiful pieces, but craftsmanship is no longer their primary source of income because they don't know where to sell their products, for example.
»
While competition is tough against imported products, Vegan Bags stands out with bags made from tree bark, explains Nandrianina: “
At the local level, our products are not within everyone's reach.
So we also export to European countries.
But customs clearance procedures in Madagascar are complicated.
It is very difficult to get our merchandise from here to abroad.
»
In its ten-year policy 2022-2032 which was recently presented, the Ministry of Handicrafts plans, among other things, to strengthen exports, create a development fund and build raw material purchasing centres.
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Madagascar
Arts and crafts
Culture