Crafts to discover Madagascar

Idom'Art refers to a collective of artisan markers whose work is valued by Maud Brun, who since 2015 has helped them make a living from their talent. With a know-how that has been passed down for three generations, strength, patience and meticulousness, the cutters and finishers create unique, absolutely beautiful works. Maud accompanies them in the choice of wood, the research of new models, the marketing, the organization of exhibitions. If you have a couple of hours to spare, you can learn how to cut on the spot with a craftsman.

Antemoro paper is made from avoha, a tree bark that exists only on the east coast of Mada. It was used by the Arabs for centuries to write "sorabe". Today, the avoha fibers are boiled for about 12 hours, then crushed once cooked and mixed with water. We finish by draining the water so that the paste adheres to the fabric of the frame placed on the tray. Finally, flower petals are placed on the still wet paper.

We can watch the work of the craftsmen who build recycled aluminum pots - unique to Madagascar - (one man can produce about twenty a day) or other decorative objects. We witness the entire manufacturing process from casting to polishing, including molding and stripping. This craft represents today 75% of the activity of the city, some workshops manufacture table soccer and billiards. In front of the restaurant Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs, Romeo exhibits some interesting creations.

At the entrance of the village, this workshop proposes to discover the different stages of silk transformation, from the tree to the silky and colored scarf. The visit begins in the courtyard where you can observe the difference between wild and farmed silk, both present in Mada. The women of the workshop then show you how to cook, spin and dye it before arriving at the very impressive stage of weaving. A very interesting visit! A store open 7 days a week allows you to buy some souvenirs.

A family workshop where you can admire a craftsman marker at work; dazzling! You will be warmly welcomed by Charlotte and her husband. Call first to inform you of your arrival and make sure they are present, their workshop is on their place of residence. After the demonstration, you will be kindly directed to the small shop that displays the beautiful fruit of their work. It was a necessary passage, difficult to leave empty-handed.

Beginning its activity in 2008, Relais Madagasikara now gathers nearly 500 people. Being part of the social and solidarity economy, it carries out a work of integration of the inhabitants of Fianarantsoa and its surroundings:

Automobile construction. Le Relais has taken over the Karenjy car project abandoned in 1993, putting back on the road these easily identifiable fiberglass cars and the only 100% African cars.

Thrift shop and sorting. The clothes deposited in the dumpsters labeled "Le Relais" in France are partly sent to Madagascar and sorted before being redistributed. This is the activity that gave birth to Le Relais in Fianar, creating a local craze!

Sewing and creation. The Gash'Mlay workshop transforms and gives new life to unused fabrics.

Waste sorting and recovery center. Born from the absence of a waste treatment system in the city, the sorting center of Le Relais now receives 700 tons of waste per month. 115 people work on sorting and transforming organic matter into fertilizer, some of which will be used to develop permaculture.

Sustainable tourism. Le Relais has two establishments: the thermal hotel in Ranomafana and the Moringa in Tuléar. You will be able to meet the young and dynamic teams trained by Le Relais, in a logic of integration and solidarity. Thus the establishments put into practice the values of the Relais, for a sustainable tourism, in particular in the kitchen where the products are fresh and cultivated on the spot.

You can visit traditional workshops of natural silk fabric. Weaving is a feminine and traditional activity in the region. Different articles (scarves, fabrics) are produced.