The Europeans discovered a different type of silk worn in Madagascar in the 17^th century. In the 19^th century, Queen Ranavalona tried to industrialize the spinning side.

Two types of silk exist here, one is based on the domestic breeding of the worm, and the other is the "Borocera" or the wild silk worm that lives in the Tapia tree which is endemic to the Island. Silk has been used here long before colonization and the spinning and weaving techniques are mastered by many women across the Island in a very artisanal way.

"The Lamba" is the principal piece of the traditional costume. It was made also of silk.

Françoise Lenoble Prédine